Suppression of perioperative stress response in elective abdominal surgery: A randomized comparison between dexmedetomidine and epidural block.

Background And Aims: Stress response after surgery induces local and systemic inflammation which may be detrimental if it goes unchecked. Blockade of afferent neurons or inhibition of hypothalamic function may mitigate the stress response.

Material And Methods: A total of 50 consenting adult ASA I/II patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine () or epidural bupivacaine () in addition to balanced general anesthesia.