NCT06738043

Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine as Adjuvants in Bariatric Surgery

Dexmedetomidine Infusion Versus Low Dose Ketamine Infusion as an Adjuvant in Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Tanta University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine infusion versus low-dose ketamine infusion as adjuvants in bariatric surgery. The study includes 90 patients undergoing bariatric surgery at Menoufia University Hospital, randomized into three groups: dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and control (placebo). Primary outcomes include total morphine consumption intra- and post-operatively. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain scores, total analgesic consumption, time to first analgesic request, hemodynamic parameters, and patient satisfaction. This study seeks to explore safer, more effective pain management strategies to minimize opioid use in bariatric surgery patients.

Detailed description

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled interventional trial evaluating the analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effects of dexmedetomidine and low-dose ketamine as adjuvants in bariatric surgery. Ninety patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled and randomized into three groups: * Dexmedetomidine Group: Patients will receive a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 µg/kg/h) until 10 minutes before the end of surgery. * Ketamine Group: Patients will receive a bolus dose of ketamine (0.3 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (0.3 mg/kg/h) until 10 minutes before the end of surgery. * Control Group: Patients will receive an equal volume of normal saline as a placebo. Objectives The primary objective is to compare intra- and postoperative morphine consumption between groups. Secondary objectives include: * Pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at multiple time points postoperatively. * Time to first request for rescue analgesia. * Hemodynamic stability (heart rate and mean arterial pressure). * Patient satisfaction assessed using a 5-point scale. * Incidence of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Study Protocol All patients will undergo standard preoperative assessments, including history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations. General anesthesia will be induced and maintained per institutional protocols. Postoperatively, pain management will follow a stepwise approach, with intravenous paracetamol as rescue analgesia. Significance Given the high prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities, bariatric surgery patients are at increased risk for postoperative complications, particularly with opioid use. This study addresses the need for opioid-sparing pain management strategies, potentially reducing the risks of opioid-related adverse effects and improving patient outcomes.

Conditions

• Obesity
• Postoperative Pain
• Bariatric Surgery

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Dexmedetomidine infusion	A bolus dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg ideal body weight) diluted in 0.9% normal saline is infused over 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion at 0.5 µg/kg/h until 10 minutes before the end of surgery.
DRUG	Ketamine infusion	A bolus dose of ketamine (0.3 mg/kg ideal body weight) diluted in 0.9% normal saline is infused over 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion at 0.3 mg/kg/h until 10 minutes before the end of surgery.
DRUG	Normal Saline Infusion (Placebo)	A bolus dose of 0.9% normal saline is infused over 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.9% normal saline until 10 minutes before the end of surgery.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-20
• Primary completion: 2027-04-20
• Completion: 2027-04-20
• First posted: 2024-12-17
• Last updated: 2026-04-09