Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided subcostal transverses abdominis plane (TAP) block with dexmedetomidine after laparoscopic radical operation. Methods 40 patients underwent laparoscopic radical operation for colorectal cancer were randomized into dexmedetomidine group (group DEX) and control group (group CON). All the patients received ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block after operation, Group DEX with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg and 0.25% ropivacaine to 20 ml, and group CON with 0.25% ropivacaine 20 ml. All the patients were assessed with Ramsay scores and the pain at rest and on coughing were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 2, 6, 12, 24 and 24 hours after operation. The highest level and the duration of sensory blockade, the first time and the total times of pressing the analgesia pump in the first day after operation, and the requirements of sufentanil were recorded. First flatus time, first diet time and the length of hospital stay were compared. Results The scores of VAS were significantly less (P<0.001), and the Ramsay scores were more in the group DEX than in the group CON (P<0.01) 2, 6 and 12 hours after operation; with the longer time of sensory blockade (P<0.001), the later to first press the analgesia pump (P<0.001), the less frequence of pressing the analgesia pump (P<0.001), and less dosage of sufentanil (P<0.001). The first flatus time, first diet time were significantly earlier in the group DEX than in the group CON (P<0.001), with the less length of total hospital stay (P<0.001). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can promote the anaesthesia of ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block with ropivacaine and improve the recovery after laparoscopic radical operation.

Key words: dexmedetomidine, ropivacaine, transverses abdominis plane block, ultrasound-guide, recovery after operation