To study and compare Postoperative analgesia with Plain Ropivacaine 0.25% and Plain Ropivacaine 0.25% with Clonidine 1µg/kg in pediatric patients. Aim:to determine the efficacy of clonidine as an adjuvant to caudal anaesthesia with ropivacaine Settings and Design: Methods and Material: In single blinded study, 80 ASA I/II patients of 2-9 yr age undergoing infraumbilical surgery were studied. 40 patients allocated to RC group were given with 0.25% Ropivacaine with 1µ/kg of Clonidine(0.5ml/kg) caudally and compared with rest 40 in R group which were given with 0.25% Plain Ropivacaine (0.5ml/kg). Haemodynamic parameters like heart rate blood pressure studied intraoperatively, Pain score with FLACC (Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability) scoring and sedation score were observed postoperatively at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 24hrs. Rescue analgesia was provided by Diclofenac suppository 1 mg/kg. Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t-test and ANOVA Results: Significantly prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia was observed in RC group than in R group (Significant difference in pain score was observed at hrs postoperatively, with no significant difference in intraoperative Heart rate, blood pressure and postoperative sedation score and adverse effects in both groups. Conclusion: The combination of Ropivacaine with Clonidine in caudal anesthesia in pediatric patients significantly improves postoperative analgesia without causing significant haemodynamic instability, postoperative sedation and residual motor blockade.

Keywords : Ropivacaine, Clonidine, Caudal Analgesia.