Dexmedetomidine vs Ketamine as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in Transversus Abdominus Plane Block in Inguinal Hernioplasty

This clinical trial aims to compare the effect of adding dexmedetomidine versus ketamine to bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernioplasty. The key questions it is expected to answer are: To what extent do dexmedetomidine and ketamine adjuvants, when combined with bupivacaine, offer a longer analgesic period in a Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block? To investigate the pain at rest and coughing with particular time intervals (0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours) after the operation. researchers will rely on three groups: Group A (Dexmedetomidine Group): patients will receive 20 ml solution containing 1 mg/kg bupivacaine + 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine + normal saline. Group B (ketamine group): patients will receive 20 ml of solution containing 1 mg/kg bupivacaine + 0.5 mg/kg ketamine + normal saline. Group C (Control Group): Patients will receive 20 ml of solution containing 1 mg/kg bupivacaine + normal saline. Participants will: have general anesthesia in their planned unilateral hernioplasty. have an ipsilateral US guided TAP block (posterior approach) using one of the three study solutions at the end of the surgery prior to be waked up. Measure their Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) at rest and coughing at particular time intervals (0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours) after the operation.

NCT Number	NCT07194694
Lead Sponsor	Ain Shams University
Conditions	Postoperative Pain Relief
Enrollment	60 participants
Start Date	2025-10-22
Primary Completion	2026-01-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-01-20 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-01-21