Results
nausea, Sensory block, vomiting, headache
REGRESSION
A total of 208 patients were initially considered for this study. However, eight patients were excluded due to a failure of follow-up, resulting in a final sample size of 200 patients who were included in the analysis. (Fig. 
Participant flow diagramBoth groups showed no differences in baseline data including age, body mass index, ASA classification, type of surgery, and operative time. (Table 
Baseline data of the studied groups Male Female72 (72%)28 (28%)75 (75%)25 (25%) Class-I Class-II85 (85%)15 (15%)84 (84%)16 (16%)Data expressed as frequency (percentage), mean (SD). *Data were compared by ChiBoth groups did not show any significant differences as regard the onset of maximum sensory level (32.60 ± 2.79 vs. 32.70 ± 2.51 min; P = 0.79). However, the Dexa group demonstrated a significantly delayed onset of 2 dermatomes regression (91.45 ± 7.45 vs. 87.85 ± 5.91 min; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the Dexa group had a significantly longer duration of sensory block (130.56 ± 26.87 vs. 98.87 ± 13.34 min; P = 0.01) and motor block (230.88 ± 34.87 vs. 165.76 ± 34.43 min; P < 0.001). (Table 
Sensory block, motor block, analgesia, and VAS among the studied groupsData expressed as frequency (percentage), mean (SD). Visual analogue scale (VAS)The Dexa group demonstrated a significantly longer duration until the first postoperative analgesic request (4.65 ± 1.58 vs. 3.80 ± 1.52 h; P < 0.001) and lower total analgesic consumption of IV ketorolac in the first postoperative 24 h (44.40 ± 22.75 vs. 57.86 ± 18.90 mg; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. additionally, the Dexa group had significantly lower VAS at 4 h postoperative (2.84 ± 0.84 vs. 4.80 ± 0.19; P < 0.001), at 6 h postoperative (3.20 ± 0.22 vs. 4.91 ± 0.98; P < 0.001), and 24 h postoperative (4.25 ± 0.82 vs. 6.06 ± 0.19; P < 0.001). (Table There were no significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure between both groups, except for a lower intraoperative heart rate after 35 min (77.19 ± 13.62 vs. 82.69 ± 14.86 beats/minute; P < 0.001). However, this difference was not clinically significant. (Figures 
Changes in heart rate among the studied groups, data expressed as mean (SD). P value was significant if  < 0.05. Data were compared by Student t test
Changes in mean arterial blood pressure among the studied groups, data expressed as mean (SD). P value was significant if  < 0.05. Data were compared by Student t testThe control group reported a higher incidence of side effects compared to the Dexa group. The Dexa group had significantly lower rates of headache (29% vs. 54%; P < 0.001), nausea (29% vs. 64%; P < 0.001), and vomiting (30% vs. 56%; P < 0.001) compared to the control group (Table 
Reported side effects among the studied groupsData expressed as frequency (percentage). *Data were compared by Chi