Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine in Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Thoracotomy Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Anesthesiology and pain medicine February 1, 2024 Mahbobeh Rashidi, Kamran Mahmoodi, Reza Akhondzadeh et al. 3 citations
Adding either dexmedetomidine or ketamine to ropivacaine for serratus anterior plane block after thoracotomy reduces postoperative pain, but ketamine provides greater pain relief. In a randomized trial of 74 adults aged 18–60 undergoing thoracotomy, pain scores were lower in the ketamine group than in the dexmedetomidine group, with statistically significant differences at 1, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. No significant differences were found between groups in blood pressure, heart rate, or mean arterial pressure. Respiratory rate differed significantly at 12 and 24 hours. Both supplements are effective, but ketamine yields more pronounced pain reduction.