Effect of combined dexmedetomidine with ropivacaine in transversus thoracis plane block on surgical stress response during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

At 24 h postoperatively, RD and R groups exhibited statistical lower serum cortisol levels compared to controls ( p < 0.05), with parallel glucose reductions.

Numeric Rating Scale scores in RD/R groups were significantly lower than controls at 0 h, 6 h, and 12 h postextubation ( p < 0.05), and the RD group maintained superior analgesia vs. both groups at 24 h.

Besides, both mechanical ventilation duration and ICU stay were shortened by serval hours compared to control.