Comparative evaluation of intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25% levobupivacaine with or without clonidine for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

This study is being conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal instillation of clonidine (o.75mcg/kg) as an adjunct to 0.25% levobupivacaine in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries for post-operative analgesia. Patients of either sex, age 18 to 60 years and belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. Total 90 patients will be included in the study. Group A (n=45): will receive intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25% Levobupivacaine 28 ml + 2 ml normal saline (total volume = 30 ml); Group B (n =45): will receive intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25% Levobupivacaine 28 ml + Clonidine 0.75 mg/kg diluted with normal saline up to 2 ml (total volume = 30 ml).  Assessment of postoperative pain using 10 point visual analogue scale(VAS) score (Score 0: no pain and Score 10: worst possible pain) at 30 mins, 1 hour, 2hours 6 hours,12 hours and 24 hours after surgery. Diclofenac sodium aqueous (75 mg IV) will be given as rescue analgesic when VAS ≥4 or on patient demand.