Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Scalp Block Versus Bupivacaine Alone for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Scalp Block Versus Bupivacaine Alone for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

This study aims to compare dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in scalp block versus bupivacaine alone for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing craniotomy.

Scalp block is proposed as a multimodal approach to preventing postoperative pain and hemodynamic responses to previous noxious stimulation during the operation.

The use of adjuvants, such as dexmedetomidine, a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has recently been studied for its analgesic effects. Dexmedetomidine acts additionally to local anesthetics, prolonging their duration of action.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 18 to 65 years.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II.
• Undergoing supratentorial elective planned craniotomies.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients refusal.
• History of known allergy to the used local anesthetic or dexmedetomidine.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Evidence of local infection at the site of injection.
• Emergency craniotomy.
• Psychotic disorder.
• Patients who will not be extubated in the operating room after surgery.