EFFECTIVENESS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN REDUCING BLEEDING AND PROVIDING CLEAR SURGICAL FIELD DURING TYMPANOPLASTY OPERATIONS UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Aims and Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine infusion as anaesthetic adjuvant during middle ear microsurgery.

Materials and Methods: Eighty adult patients aged 20-60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades I and II, of both gender were randomized into two comparable equal groups of 40 patients each for middle ear micro surgery under general anesthesia with standard anesthetic technique. After induction of general anesthesia, patients of Group I (DX group) were given dexmedetomidine infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/h and patients of Group II (NS group) were given infusion of normal saline. Isoflurane concentration was titrated to achieve a systolic blood pressure30% below the baseline value. All patients were assessed intra-operatively for bleeding at surgical field, haemodynamic changes and post-operative recovery.

Results: Patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion had statistically significant lesser bleeding at surgical field (P < 0.05).The mean awakening time and recovery from anaesthesia did not show any significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine infusion can be safely used to decrease intra-operative bleeding for better visualization during middle ear microsurgery.

Keywords: Clear bloodless surgical field, Dexmedetomidine, General anesthesia, middle ear microsurgery