Postoperative Analgesia and Complication Onset: Evaluating Dexmedetomidine in Spinal Anesthesia for Open Appendectomy

Document Type : Original Article

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Anesthesia and intensive care unit department, faculty of medicine, Aswan university

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Appendectomy is a common surgical intervention, with spinal anesthesia favored for its benefits compared to general anesthesia. Nonetheless, spinal anesthesia may result in consequences like hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Dexmedetomidine has been suggested as an adjunct to extend anesthetic duration and postpone the emergence of problems.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to spinal anesthesia in delaying the onset of postoperative complications in patients undergoing open appendectomy.
Methodology: This retrospective cohort study examined 149 individuals who performed open appendectomy with spinal anesthesia at Aswan University Hospitals. Patients were administered either dexmedetomidine (Group A, n=74) or fentanyl (Group B, n=75) as an adjuvant to bupivacaine. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative complications were gathered and evaluated utilizing ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni testing.
Results: No significant differences were seen in demographic or intraoperative characteristics between the groups. The average onset of abdominal discomfort, visceral pain, nausea, and vomiting was slightly prolonged in the dexmedetomidine group; nevertheless, the differences lacked statistical significance.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine, utilized as an adjuvant in spinal anesthesia for open appendectomy, had a tendency to delay postoperative problems, although statistical significance was not attained. It is recommended to conduct larger prospective studies to better assess its efficacy and refine dosing regimens for enhanced patient outcomes.
Key words: Dexmedetomidine, Spinal Anesthesia, Open Appendectomy, Postoperative Complications

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Aswan University Medical Journal
Volume 5, Issue 4
December 2025
Pages 99-105

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