Effects of adding dexmedetomidine to local infiltration of bupivacaine on postoperative pain in pediatric herniorrhaphy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a major problem, especially in children, as their tolerance level is lower and several drugs are contraindicated in childhood. This study aimed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine added to local infiltration of bupivacaine for postoperative pain relief in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial included 60 children aged 6–72 months undergoing unilateral herniorrhaphy at selected hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, randomly allocated into two groups, 30 in each group. One group received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine plus local infiltration of 0.2 ml/kg bupivacaine 0.5% at the incision site before surgery (BD), and the other group received bupivacaine and normal saline (BO). Analgesic requirements, emergence time, and nausea/vomiting, postoperative pain and sedation scores were assessed for 4 h after the operation. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) were recorded at baseline, and at 10 and 20 min after injection. RESULTS: Eighty percent were boy in each group; mean age was 22.75 ± 18.63 months. SaO(2) and SBP were not different between the groups, while HR was significantly lower in the Group BD at 10 and 20 min after injection (P < 0.05). Group BD had a lower pain score at 1 and 2 h after the operation, a higher sedation score at the first three time intervals, and longer emergence time than Group BO (all P < 0.001). Group BD had a lower pain score at 1 and 2 h after the operation (P < 0.001, P < 0.047 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of dexmedetomidine to local infiltration of bupivacaine in children undergoing herniorrhaphy significantly reduced postoperative pain and increased sedation.