Effect of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Control Trial.

Background: Bulk of published data support the efficacy of dexmedetomidine for prolongation of peripheral nerve block; but most of the studies are in adults. Ample data regarding use of dexmedetomidine in setting of paediatric peripheral nerve blocks is scarce.

Aim And Objective: To determine whether adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block prolongs postoperative analgesia in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair.