Dexmedetomidine Added to Bupivacaine for ESP Block in Children Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgeries

This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks on the duration of postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Effective postoperative pain control in children remains a clinical challenge, and regional anesthesia techniques such as the ESP block have shown promise in improving outcomes. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, pediatric patients scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgeries will be assigned to receive either bupivacaine alone or bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine as part of an ultrasound-guided ESP block. The primary outcome is the duration of postoperative analgesia, defined as the time from the block until the first request for rescue analgesia. Secondary outcomes include total analgesic consumption and postoperative pain scores