Dexamethasone Versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuncts to Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Warda Demerdash Khalifa Ali, Elsayed M Elkarta, Mohammed El Sayed Abdel Hameed et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized clinical trial compared dexamethasone with dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to serratus anterior plane block in 126 female patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. The dexamethasone group had significantly lower postoperative pain scores at all measured time points (p < 0.05), a longer time to first rescue analgesia, lower opioid consumption, shorter hospital stay, and lower chronic pain scores. Early sedation scores were higher with dexamethasone, but the difference was described as not clinically significant; adverse effects did not differ significantly between groups.
Key findings
- Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower with dexamethasone at all measured time points (p < 0.05).
- Dexamethasone was associated with longer time to first rescue analgesia and reduced opioid consumption.
- Hospital stay and chronic pain scores were lower in the dexamethasone group.
- Early sedation scores were higher with dexamethasone without clinical significance; adverse effects did not differ significantly.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that the choice of adjunct to serratus anterior plane block may influence pain control and recovery after modified radical mastectomy. The reported reductions in opioid use and chronic pain scores are clinically relevant outcomes, while the absence of a significant adverse-effect difference provides useful comparative safety information within this trial.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not report effect sizes or follow-up duration, limiting assessment of the magnitude and persistence of the reported benefits.