Incorporation of Dexmedetomidine to Bupivacaine is associated with declined morphine consumption and postoperative pain among patients getting ultrasonography-guided paravertebral blockade, evident from the recently published report in the Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology.

A total of 93 ASA I-II patients were selected and programmed for thoracic surgery. Before anaesthesia induction, the patients went through the paravertebral blockade procedure by an anaesthetist with ultrasonography. Participants were categorised into three groups; group B, group BD and group C. Group BD injected with 20 mL 0.5% Bupivacaine+1 mL Dexmedetomidine injection where was Group C obtained postoperatively i.v. morphine through patient-controlled analgesia without the paravertebral blockade. The pain was measured using the VAS. Morphine consumption, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects were also measured.

Group B and group C showed no significant difference regarding intra-operative adverse effects (hypotension and bradycardia). Group BD showed a higher incidence of these adverse effects. As compared to group C, group BD showed significantly lower VAS scores (at rest and movement) and total morphine consumption. MAP and HR were lower in group BD, but this decline was not significant. These findings demonstrate a positive response of Dexmedetomidine and Bupivacaine combination in reducing post-operative pain scores and morphine consumption.