Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Versus Morphine as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine in Caudal Anesthesia.

Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Versus Morphine as an Adjunct to Bupivacaine in Caudal Anesthesia for Pediatric Thoracic Surgeries. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study is to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia, and any side effects of caudal dexmedetomidine versus morphine in combination with bupivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing thoracic surgeries.

The patients will be randomized in a blinded fashion to get enrolled into 2 equal groups: Group A patients (n =25) will receive caudal epidural analgesia using dexmedetomidine with bupivacaine, whereas Group B patients (n = 25) will receive caudal epidural analgesia using morphine with bupivacaine.

Randomization will be achieved by using an online random number generator. Patient codes will be placed into sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes by a research assistant who is not involved in the study. An anesthesia resident not involved in patient management will be responsible for opening the envelope. The anesthesia resident will prepare the study drug according to the instructions contained within each envelope and give it to the anesthesiologist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA I, II, III.
• Patients undergoing lung cyst excision.
• Patients undergoing Patent Ductus Arteriosus ligation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Preoperative mechanical ventilation.
• Preoperative inotropic support
• History of mental retardation or delayed development that may interfere with pain intensity assessment
• Known or suspected coagulopathy,
• Any congenital anomalies of the sacrum or any infection at the site of injection.
• Known or suspected allergy to any of the studied drugs.