Clinical Outcomes of Dexmedetomidine As An Anesthetic Adjuvant in Intracranial Surgery, An Experience from Irfan General Hospital Peshawar: A Prospective Case Series Study

Abstract

Objective: Neuro anesthesia (most commonly general) is indicated in intracranial surgery, the goal of which is to maintain a stable hemodynamic environment. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) when used as an adjuvant in intracranial surgery. Materials And Methods: A prospective design was utilized and the data was collected at the Department of Neurosurgery Irfan General Hospital Peshawar in patients undergoing intracranial. All those patients having a score of 14 or 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, and I and II on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) undergoing intracranial surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study. Results: The majority of patients were males 35 (66%) while 18 (34%) were females. 29(55%) patients were categorized as grade I while 24 (45%) as grade II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical status. mean extubation time of our sample of patients undergoing craniotomy was 6.21 ± 2.16 minutes while the time for rescue analgesia was 41.23 ± 23.15 minutes. The heart rate values decreased significantly when noted at different intervals from the baseline. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is an effective and safe anesthetic adjuvant when used in intracranial surgery and provides stable hemodynamics both intra and post-operatively. The neuro anesthetic drug also reduces the requirements of other opioids and rescue drugs.