USG guided subcostal TAP block with dexamethasone versus magnesium sulfate as adjuvants with ropivacaine 0.2% A prospective randomised controlled study in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgery. Subcostal TAP block is one of the effective methods of providing analgesia. In our study we compare the effect of two different adjuvants with 0.2% Ropivacaine in prolonging the duration of analgesia.

After obtaining institutional ethical clearance and clinical trial registration, patients will be enrolled in the study. A thorough preanaesthetic evaluation will be done, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria patients will be selected and recruited after obtaining a written informed consent. Patients are grouped into 2 - Group A will receive 0.2% ropivacaine 18 ml with 8mg dexamethasone and Group B will receive 18ml 0.2% ropivacaine with 200mg magnesium sulfate on each side. Patient will be informed about the study protocol. Based on computer generated random numbers they are put into 2 group with allocation concealment via sealed envelopes that will be opened just before performing the block.  Standard preanaesthesia protocol regarding nil per oral status and premedication will be followed. Induction and maintenance is based on standard anaesthesia practise of our hospital. After the completion of surgery patients are given USG guided subcostal TAP block based on the groups alloted. Patients are extubated and postoperatively followed up at 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 hours. Hemodynamic parameters, VAS scores, need for analgesia , side effects , PSS are noted.