Dexmedetomidine decreases the required amount of bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in pediatrics patients: a randomized study.

Background: The effect of dexmedetomidine on the potency of bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in pediatric patients has not been investigated.

Study Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine to decrease the concentration of bupivacaine needed for analgesia for ultrasound-guided TAP block in a pediatric patient undergoing hernia repair or hydrocelectomy.

Design: This is a randomized, double-blind, up-down, dose-finding study.