The primary objectives of this study are to analyse the effect of perioperative systemic infusion of lignocaine on postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting and perioperative levels of inflammatory mediators in patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries.

The secondary parameters which will be observed during the study are the time to passage of flatus and stools postoperatively.

Patients will be randomized into two groups- A and B, to receive an intravenous infusion of lignocaine or saline,respectively, as a bolus of 1.5mg/kg at the time of intubation followed by an infusion at a rate of 1.5mg/kg/hr continued throughout the surgery and till one hour postop. Postoperative analgesia will be provided through Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump providing morphine. Postoperative pain scores will be noted at immediate postoperative and at 6, 18, 24 hours post surgery. The number of PCA demands and cumulative morphine consumption till 24 hours post surgery will be noted. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting is recorded. The time to first passage of flatus and stools postoperatively will be noted. Levels of total leukocyte count, c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6(IL-6) will be noted in preoperative, immediate post operative and 24 hours post surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients above 18 years of age
• undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries
• belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA)status I,II,III

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients sensitive to lignocaine,
• patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases or with preoperative changes on electrocardiogram
• patients on beta blocker drugs
• patients on opioid drugs for prolonged period
• patients with functional bowel disorders