Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Agitation after Nasal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Emergence agitation is a short lived phenomenon occurring commonly after nasal surgery. In this study we used dexmedetomidine infusion in that intraoperative period to decrease the incidence of emergence agitation in adult patients posted for nasal surgery. Methods: 100 adult patients (ASA I-II, 20-60 years posted for nasal surgery were randomly divided into two groups. Group D received infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.4mcg/kf/hr during the intraoperative period, and Group C received normal saline infusion as placebo. All patients were induced with fentanyl (1mcg/kg) and propofol (1.5mcg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane. Incidence of agitation, hemodynamics, pain scores, time to verbal commands and extubation were evaluated. Results: Incidence of emergence agitation was lower in Group D (26%) than Group C (50%). Group I showed more stable hemodynamics than Group II. Time to verbal response and extubation was more for Group D than Group C (p < 0.05) though it was not clinically significant. Conclusion: The use of dexmedetomidine as intraoperative infusion resulted in smooth emergence with more stable hemodynamics. Keywords: emergence agitation, dexmedetomidine, nasal surgery, adults