The effect of pre-operative intravenous clonidine infusion on patient hemodynamics in those undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Context: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures done. Laparoscopy involves pneumoperitoneum and its subsequent effects. It involves changes in cardiorespiratory system. Earlier studies have documented usefulness of Clonidine in this context. Aims: (1) Evaluation of hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy receiving pre-operative clonidine infusion. (2) Effect of intravenous clonidine on post-operative analgesia measured in time duration for first rescue analgesic. Settings and Design: This was a prospective, randomized, double blind study. It was conducted at a single specialty high volume tertiary care center. Subjects and Methods: The study took place at a tertiary specialty institute from July 2012 to September 2012. It involved 60 cases randomized into 2 groups by simple randomization. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis for the inter group hemodynamic parameters and numerical data was done using paired t-test, while categorical data was analyzed by Chi-square test. P ≤ 0.005 was considered to be significant. Results: Clonidine group of patients had significantly lower systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures with significantly lower heart rate and also statistically significant prolongation of post-operative analgesia and sedation. Conclusions: Clonidine pre-operatively given as infusion in dose of 4 mcg/kg in laparoscopic surgeries, provides a stable hemodynamic state with minimal additional drug requirement and good post-operative analgesia.