Emergence Agitation In Patients Research Articles

The effect of deep and awake extubation on emergence agitation after nasal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPost-anesthetic emergence agitation is common after general anesthesia and may cause adverse consequences, such as injury as well as respiratory and circulatory complications. Emergence agitation after general anesthesia occurs more frequently in nasal surgery than in other surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients undergoing nasal surgery who were extubated under deep anesthesia or when fully awake.MethodsA total of 202 patients (18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification: I–II) undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized 1:1 into two groups: a deep extubation group (group D) and an awake extubation group (group A). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation. The secondary outcomes included number of emergence agitations, sedation score, vital signs, and incidence of adverse events.ResultsThe incidence of emergence agitation was lower in group D than in group A (34.7% vs. 72.8%; p < 0.001). Compared to group A, patients in group D had lower Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores, higher Ramsay sedation scores, fewer agitation episodes, and lower mean arterial pressure when extubated and 30 min after surgery, whereas these indicators did not differ 90 min after surgery. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionsExtubation under deep anesthesia can significantly reduce emergence agitation after nasal surgery under general anesthesia without increasing the incidence of adverse events.Trial registrationRegistered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04844333) on 14/04/2021.

Comparison of remimazolam and desflurane in emergence agitation after general anesthesia for nasal surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Remimazolam is an ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine. Few studies have evaluated the effects of remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on emergence agitation (EA). This study aimed to compare the incidence and severity of EA between TIVA using remimazolam and desflurane. This prospective randomized controlled study enrolled 76 patients who underwent nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into two groups of 38 each: desflurane-nitrous oxide (N2O) (DN) and remimazolam-remifentanil (RR) groups. The same protocol was used for each group from induction to emergence, except for the use of different anesthetics during maintenance of anesthesia according to the assigned group: desflurane and nitrous oxide for the DN group and remimazolam and remifentanil for the RR group. The incidence of EA as the primary outcome was evaluated using three scales: Ricker Sedation-Agitation Scale, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale, and Aono's four-point agitation scale. Additionally, hemodynamic changes during emergence and postoperative sense of suffocation were compared. The incidence of EA was significantly lower in the RR group than in the DN group in all three types of EA assessment scales (all P < 0.001). During emergence, the change in heart rate differed between the two groups (P = 0.002). The sense of suffocation was lower in the RR group than in the DN group (P = 0.027). RR reduced the incidence and severity of EA in patients undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia. In addition, RR was favorable for managing hemodynamics and postoperative sense of suffocation.

The effect of a preoperative single dose of gabapentin on emergence agitation in patients undergoing rhinoplasty: a randomized clinical trial

The effect of a preoperative single dose of gabapentin on emergence agitation in patients undergoing rhinoplasty: a randomized clinical trial

Effect of comprehensive nursing interventions in operating room on emergence agitation in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia

Effect of comprehensive nursing interventions in operating room on emergence agitation in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia

Pre-operative administration of butorphanol mitigates emergence agitation in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study explored the effectiveness of pre-operative intravenous injection of butorphanol in the alleviation of emergence agitation (EA) in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Patients (n = 708) were randomized into two groups. The butorphanol group (Group B, n = 358) received butorphanol infusion (20 ug/kg) before anesthesia induction, while the control group (Group C, n = 350) received an equal volume of normal saline infusion. General anesthesia was induced with sufentanil, propofol, and rocuronium, and was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. Vasoactive drugs maintained the hemodynamic indices within 20% of the baseline. The incidence of EA was significantly lower in Group B than that in Group C (Group B vs. C: 24.3% vs. 31.4%, respectively; P = 0.034). The times to spontaneous breathing (26.5 min vs. 23.7 min, P = 0.011), verbal response (36.0 min vs. 33.4 min, P = 0.012), and extubation (31.0 min vs. 28.7 min, P = 0.025) were longer in Group B, and the grade of cough (0.33 vs. 0.43, P = 0.024) at extubation in Group B was lower than that in Group C (P = 0.024). The mean arterial pressure at the end of the operation (P = 0.004) and at 5 min after extubation (P = 0.008) was higher and hypotension was less prominent (0.6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.030) in Group B. Pre-operative intravenous injection of butorphanol decreased the incidence of EA after FESS and provided smooth and hemodynamically stable emergence without extending the stay in post-anesthesia care unit. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03398759.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Function and Emergence Agitation of Patients with Dexmedetomidine-Assisted General Anesthesia under Comfortable Nursing Intervention.

In order to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and emergence agitation of patients who underwent general anesthesia surgery with sevoflurane under comfortable nursing intervention, 66 patients who received upper abdominal surgery were selected as research objects. According to nursing and anesthesia methods, the patients were randomly divided into control group (routine nursing and anesthesia), group A (routine nursing and DEX-assisted anesthesia), and group B (comfortable nursing and DEX-assisted anesthesia). The differences in the brain fMRI characteristics, hemodynamic indexes, anesthesia recovery indexes, and nursing satisfaction in the perioperative period were evaluated. The results showed that the regional homogeneity values were different in different brain regions, but there was no difference in the Z value of functional connectivity(P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, awakening time, extubation time, the Riker sedation-agitation scale (SAS) score, and anesthetic dosage were signally decreased in group A and group B, while the Ramsay scores, the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, and anesthesia maintenance time in the two groups was obviously increased(P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the extubation time, the SAS score, PACU stay, and hospital stay were all remarkably reduced in group B, while the nursing satisfaction score was greatly increased(P < 0.05). To sum up, DEX was helpful to safely and effectively reduce the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients under general anesthesia surgery with sevoflurane. Besides, comfortable nursing intervention could further reduce the incidence of emergence agitation in patients with general anesthesia, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve nursing satisfaction.

Effect of Flumazenil on Emergence Agitation after Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Flumazenil, a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist, can promote arousal even under general anesthesia without the use of benzodiazepines. We hypothesized that flumazenil could promote arousal and reduce emergence agitation in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia. One hundred and two patients were randomly allocated to the control or flumazenil group. Saline or flumazenil was administered at the end of the surgery. The incidence of emergence agitation was measured by using Aono’s four-point scale, with scores of 3 and 4 indicating emergence agitation. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation. Secondary outcomes included duration of emergence agitation and time intervals between the discontinuation of anesthetics, first response, extubation, and post-anesthesia care-unit discharge readiness. The incidence of emergence agitation was 58.3% and 38.9% in the control and flumazenil groups, respectively, but it was not statistically significant. However, the duration of emergence agitation was shorter in the flumazenil group (p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in the time intervals between the discontinuation of anesthetics, first response, and extubation. Although flumazenil did not reduce the incidence of emergence agitation in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia, it can be considered as an option for awakening patients in terms of improving emergence profiles.

Use of Levomepromazine for the Treatment of Emergence Agitation in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation for SARS-CoV-2 Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Purpose: To report our experience with the use of Levomepromazine (LMZ) for the treatment of delirium in patients treated for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19. Methods: Retrospective series of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a non-academic hospital and who requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for the treatment of ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2. Infection was confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing, and patients presented delirium after withdrawal of neuromuscular blockade or sedation lightening treated with LMZ on top of other treatment. Results: Out of 34 ARDS patients admitted from 22 March 2020 to 23 January 2021, 11 (32.3%) died before neuromuscular blockade withdrawal, and of the remaining 23, 16 were treated with LMZ. The median time to initiation of LMZ was 6 days (interquartile, 5 to 8) from the start of sedation, and median duration of LMZ treatment was 5 (1 to 28) days. Median sedation score (as assessed by the Sedation Agitation Scale (SAS)) was 2 (1-4) at initiation and 3 (2-4) at discontinuation of LMZ, while median analgesia scores (Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)) were respectively 3 (3-5) and 4 (3-5). Of the 16 patients treated with LMZ, 12 were weaned from mechanical ventilation immediately following discontinuation, without recurrence of delirium. No adverse effects related to LMZ use were observed. The 4 patients who could not be weaned from mechanical ventilation following LMZ required new neuromuscular blockade. Conclusions: Based on this retrospective series, LMZ seems to be useful for the management of delirium occurring after withdrawal of neuromuscular blockade or lightening of sedation in patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2.

Effects of dexamethasone on catheter-related bladder discomfort and emergence agitation: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

BackgroundCatheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is common in patients with a urinary catheter and is a risk factor for emergence agitation (EA). The mainstay of CRBD management is anticholinergics. Dexamethasone inhibits acetylcholine release. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative CRBD and EA.MethodsIn this prospective study, 90 patients undergoing urological surgery requiring urinary catheterization were allocated randomly to one of two groups (each n = 45). Before induction of anesthesia, the dexamethasone group received 10 mg (2 ml) of dexamethasone intravenously, while the control group received 2 ml of saline in the same manner. The incidence and severity of CRBD were assessed 0, 1, 2, and 6 h after the patient arrived in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) as the primary outcomes. The incidence and severity of EA were also compared during emergence and recovery from anesthesia as secondary outcomes.ResultsThe incidences of CRBD in the control group and dexamethasone group at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively were 28.9% and 15.6%, 55.6% and 55.6%, 57.8% and 46.7%, and 53.3% and 51.1%, respectively. The incidence and severity of CRBD assessed at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively did not show intergroup differences. The incidence and severity of EA in the operating room and PACU also showed no difference between the groups.ConclusionsDexamethasone (10 mg) administered before induction of anesthesia did not further reduce the incidence or severity of CRBD or EA in patients undergoing urological surgery.

Effect of ketamine on emergence agitation following septoplasty: a randomized clinical trial

Background and objectivesThe risk of emergence agitation (EA) is high in patients undergoing nasal surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of EA in adults undergoing septoplasty and the effect of ketamine on EA. MethodsIn this randomized study, a total of 102 ASA I–II patients who underwent septoplasty between July 2018 and April 2019 were divided into two groups: ketamine (Group-K, n=52) and saline (Group-S, n=50). After anesthesia induction, Group-K was intravenously administered 20mL of saline containing 1mgkg−1 ketamine, whereas Group-S was administered 20mL of saline. Sedation and agitation scores at emergence from anesthesia, incidence of cough, emergence time, and response to verbal stimuli time were recorded. The sedation/agitation and pain levels were recorded for 30minutes in the recovery unit. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the incidence of EA (Group-K: 15.4%, Group-S: 24%). The incidence of cough during emergence was higher in Group-S than in Group-K, but the response time to verbal stimuli and emergence time were shorter in Group-S. The sedation and agitation scores were similar after surgery. Pain scores were higher in Group-S at the time of admission to the recovery unit and were similar between groups in the other time points. ConclusionAdministration of 1mgkg−1 ketamine after anesthesia induction does not affect the incidence of EA in patients undergoing septoplasty, but it prolongs the emergence and response time to verbal stimuli and reduces the incidence of cough.

Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine for Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks in Cleft lip and Palate Repair: A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind Study.

Does clonidine, as adjuvant to bupivacaine for suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks, reduce emergence agitation in patients undergoing cleft lip and cleft palate surgery? Randomized, controlled, and double-blind study. Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center, Guwahati (Assam, India). A total of 124 patients; with a median age of 5 years in the clonidine group (CLG) and 7 years in the control group (CG), who underwent cleft lip or cleft palate surgery were included. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent from patients or their guardians, allergy to local anesthetics, coagulation disorders, local infection at the puncture site before performing the block, and language difficulties or cognitive disorders. Patients were randomized into 2 groups to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks with either a bupivacaine/clonidine mixture for the CLG or bupivacaine alone in the CG. The primary end point was the incidence of emergence agitation. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of emergence agitation (30.2% in the CG compared to 15.2% in the CLG; difference of incidences: 15%, 95% CI: 0.1-30.1). The percentage of patients requiring intraoperative Fentanyl was lower in the CLG (10.6% compared to 26.4%; difference of incidences: 15.8%, 95% CI: 1.8-29). No other differences were observed. Further research in a more typically aged children population undergoing cleft surgery is needed. The use of clonidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in maxillary nerve block reduces the incidence of emergence agitation and intraoperative opioid consumption without hemodynamic or sedative side effects in patients undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery.

Effect of intravenous lignocaine infusion on the quality of emergence in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors - A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Emergence from anesthesia is a critical step in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (TSS). The cough suppressant and anesthetic sparing properties of lignocaine makes it a favorable option for smooth extubation and maintaining stable hemodynamics intraoperatively. We aimed to evaluate the effect of lignocaine infusion on the quality of emergence (QOE) and intraoperative hemodynamics in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors.Methods: Fifty patients scheduled to undergo TSS were randomly divided into ligocaine group (n = 25), receiving 1.5 mg/kg bolus dose of lignocaine followed by continuous infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h and saline group (n = 25). Patients assigned to the control group received equal volume of saline receiving equal volume of saline. The four emergence parameters (mean arterial pressure [MAP], heart rate (HR), cough, and agitation) were abbreviated into an aggregated score for QOE. Time to emergence and intraoperative hemodynamics were also recorded.Results: The QOE was not found to be different between the two groups (P = 0.294). Lignocaine did not increase the time to emergence (P = 0.166). The intraoperative HR and MAP were comparable between the two groups. A lower minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane was required in lignocaine group during insertion of nasal speculum (P = 0.018) and at the time of seller ridge dissection (P = 0.043) compared to the saline group.Conclusion: Intraoperative lignocaine infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h did not significantly improve the QOE with respect to hemodynamics, cough, and emergence agitation in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors.

The comparison of effects of thiopental and ketofol on emergence agitation in patients with nasal surgery: A prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial

Aim: Emergence agitation (EA) is a postanesthetic phenomenon that is common in patients who undergo nasal surgery with general anesthesia, which manifests itself with confusion and violent behaviors and may cause serious problems such as bleeding in the surgical site, unplanned removal of catheter or endotracheal tube. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of thiopental and ketofol on EA formation after nasal surgery.Material and Methods: This study was performed as a prospective, randomized, single-blind, clinical trial in 80 patients undergoing nasal surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as thiopental (group P:40) and ketofol (group K:40). As the primary outcome; Riker Sedation Agitation Scale (RSAS) was used in order to evaluate EA at the 5th minute after extubation. As the secondary outcome; we aimed to evaluate predisposing factors causing EA.Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.55±13.12 in Group P, while it was 40.68±11.88 in Group K. The incidence of emergence agitation (EA) was significantly higher in Group P than in Group K. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (Group P:12 cases (30%), Group K:1 case (2.5%), P:0.001). Residual sedation values in PACU were similar in both groups (P:0.248). The duration of stay in PACU was significantly lower in Group P (P:0.001). Duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, time to extubation and time to verbal response times were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups.Conclusion: In patients who underwent nasal surgery under general anesthesia; using ketofol instead of thiopental can significantly reduce EA.

Comparison of emergence agitation between succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex in adults following closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSugammadex allows rapid recovery from rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. Succinylcholine is often used for brief surgeries but is associated with myalgia, headache, histamine release, and increased lactate levels. Thus, we hypothesized that succinylcholine may affect emergence agitation (EA) and compared the effects of succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex on EA in patients undergoing closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture under general anesthesia.MethodsForty-two patients were prospectively enrolled and allocated randomly to the succinylcholine group (group SC) or the rocuronium-sugammadex group (group RS; each n = 21). Neuromuscular block and its reversal were achieved with succinylcholine and normal saline in group SC, whereas rocuronium and sugammadex were administered in group RS. After surgery, the incidence of EA as a primary outcome, the incidence of dangerous EA, and duration of EA as secondary outcomes were compared.ResultsThe incidence of EA was higher in group SC than in group RS (90.5% vs. 47.6%, respectively; relative risk [RR] 4.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 15.7; P = .006). The incidence of dangerous EA increased in group SC compared to group RS (33.3% vs. 4.8%, respectively; RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.4; P = .045). The duration of agitation was longer in group SC than in group RS [106.5 (65.1) vs. 40.4 (26.0) sec; mean difference 66.1 s; 95% CI 31.0 to 101.1; effect size 1.3; P = .001).ConclusionSuccinylcholine increases the incidence, severity, and duration of EA compared to rocuronium-sugammadex in patients undergoing closed reduction of a nasal bone fracture.Trial registrationCRiS Registration number KCT0002673. Initial registration date was 31 January 2018 (Retrospectively registered).

Dexmedetomidine infusion for prevention of emergence agitation in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia

Introduction Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under general anesthesia is more susceptible for developing emergence agitation (EA). Aim This randomized double-blinded, prospective, comparative, clinical study was aimed to evaluate dexmedetomidine efficacy for EA prevention in patients undergoing PCNL. Patients and methods A total of 44 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I–II aged between 21 and 70 years, experiencing an elective PCNL under general anesthesia, were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group C and group D. Placebo was given to group C, whereas a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine 1.0 µg/kg was given to group D patients, followed by 0.4 µg/kg/h after anesthesia induction. Adjustment was made to end-tidal sevoflurane to keep bispectral index at 45–55. Sevoflurane and the study drug were stopped when surgical dressing was applied. Evaluation of EA was made from extubation until the patients was transferred to postanesthesia care unit. EA incidence was the primary outcome, whereas sevoflurane requirement, hemodynamic stability, and recovery from anesthesia were the secondary outcomes. Results There was a significant reduction of EA incidence (group C 54.5%; group D 9.1%) with dexmedetomidine infusion to 90.9% (P=0.0001). There was also significant lowering of the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration and an average 38.87% reduction in required concentration in group D, in contrast to group C (P&lt;0.001). There was significantly higher average mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in group C compared with group D (P&lt;0.001). There is significantly lesser time to extubation, lesser time to achieve bispectral index 90, and lesser time in reacting to verbal command in group C when compared with group D (P&lt;0.0001). Conclusion The EA incidence and sevoflurane requirement among patients experiencing PCNL are significantly decreased by dexmedetomidine infusion. Moreover, dexmedetomidine was associated with delayed extubation time, residual sedation, and prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine for prevention of emergence agitation in patients posted for nasal surgery under desflurane anaesthesia: A prospective double-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims:Nasal surgery under desflurane anaesthesia is more prone to develop emergence agitation (EA). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine for prevention of EA.Methods:A total of 72 patients were randomised to group C and group D. Group C patients received placebo while group D patients received dexmedetomidine 1.0 μg/kg bolus followed by 0.4 μg/kg/h after induction of anesthesia. End tidal desflurane was adjusted to keep the bispectral index (BIS) 45–55. Study drug was stopped at extubation. EA was evaluated from extubation till the patient was shifted to postanaesthesia care unit (PACU). Primary outcome was incidence of EA. Secondary outcome measures were requirement of desflurane, haemodynamic stability, and recovery after anaesthesia. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results:Infusion of dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the incidence of EA (Group C 52.8%; Group D 5.6%) by 89.5% (P = 0.00001). The endtidal desflurane concentration was significantly lower and there was an average 28.87% reduction in requirement of desflurane in group D compared to group C (P < 0.001). The mean heart rate was significantly higher in Group C (P < 0.001). In group C time to extubation, time to achieve BIS 90 and time to response on verbal command was significantly lesser compared to group D (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the incidence of EA and requirement of desflurane in patients undergoing nasal surgery. However, it was associated with delayed extubation, residual sedation, and prolonged PACU stay.

Effects of nefopam on emergence agitation after general anesthesia for nasal surgery: A prospective, randomized, and controlled trial.

Background:Emergence agitation (EA) occurs frequently after nasal surgery. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and analgesics, such as fentanyl, have been shown to prevent EA. Nefopam inhibits the NMDA receptor and shows a potent analgesic effect. We investigated the effects of nefopam on EA in patients undergoing nasal surgery.Methods:In this prospective, double-blind study, 100 adult patients were allocated randomly to 1 of 2 groups (each n = 50). Patients received 20 mg of nefopam in 98 mL of saline for 20 minutes immediately after induction of anesthesia (nefopam group) or 100 mL of saline (control group) in the same manner. After surgery, the incidence and degree of EA, time for extubation, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse events were evaluated by an observer blinded to the group allocation.Results:The overall incidence of EA was lower in the nefopam group than in the control group (34% [17/50] vs 54% [27/50], respectively; P = .044). The incidence of severe EA was also lower in the nefopam group than in the control group (8% [4/50] vs 38% [19/50], respectively; P = .001). Heart rate (HR) was higher in the nefopam group than in the control group from the end of surgery to 3 minutes after extubation (P = .008). Time for extubation and adverse events were similar between groups.Conclusions:Nefopam infusion is effective in preventing and reducing the severity of EA after nasal surgery without a delay in extubation. However, caution is required regarding the increase in HR.

Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Improves the Quality of Recovery and Postoperative Pulmonary Function in Patients Undergoing Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A CONSORT-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been known to be a stressful event for patients, and dexmedetomidine is known to attenuate surgery-induced sympathetic responses and potentiate analgesia in perioperative periods. The present was designed to evaluate the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration on the quality of recovery (QoR) and pulmonary function after VATS.Patients with lung cancer undergoing VATS were randomized to Dex group (loading of 1.0 μg/kg for 20 minutes before the termination of surgery, n = 50) or Control group (comparable volume of normal saline, n = 50). The QoR-40 questionnaire assesses postoperative recovery and validates the overall surgical and general anesthesia outcomes. The QoR-40 scores, forced expiratory volume for 1 second (FEV1) on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, and emergence agitation were evaluated.The global QoR-40 score (162.3 ± 17.8 vs 153.3 ± 18.7, P = 0.016 on POD 1; 174.3 ± 16.0 vs 166.8 ± 16.7, P = 0.028 on POD 2) and FEV1 (2.1 ± 0.4 vs 1.9 ± 0.5 L, P = 0.034 on POD 1; 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.4 L, P = 0.030 on POD 2) were significantly higher in the Dex group compared with the Control group on POD1 and POD 2. The score of emergence agitation was lower in the Dex group compared with the Control group (3 [2–5] vs 5 [3–7], P < 0.001). The number of patients indicating severe emergence agitation was shorter in the Dex group than Control group (0 [0%] vs 7 [14%], P = 0.048). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (6.7 [3–9] vs 8.4 [4–9] days, P = 0.045) in the Dex group compared with the Control group.Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration improved QoR, postoperative pulmonary function, and emergence agitation in patients undergoing VATS. Consequently, intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration could improve postoperative outcomes and reduced the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing VATS.

Effects of dexmedetomidine or dezocine alone or combination of the two agents on emergence agitation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine or dezocine alone or the combination of the two agents on the emergence agitation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.Methods Eighty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 18-64 yr,weighing 48-75 kg,scheduled for elective thoracic surgery under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =20 each):control group (group C),dexmedetomidine group (group DEX),dezocine group (group DEZ) and dexmedetomidine + dezocine group (group DEX + DEZ).In group DEX,dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg was injected intravenously at 15 min before induction of anesthesia,followed by continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at 0.4 μg· kg-1 · h-1 until beginning of chest closure.Dezocine 0.1 mg/kg was injected intravenously after beginning of chest closure in group DEZ.In group DEX + DEZ,dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg was injected intravenously at 15 min before induction of anesthesia,followed by continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at 0.4 μg·kg-1 ·h-1 until beginning of chest closure and then dezocine 0.1 mg/kg was injected intravenously.While the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C.Flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg was injected intravenously at beginning of skin closure in each group.Venous blood samples were collected for determination of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP),TNF-α and IL-10 levels at 10 min before induction of anesthesia (T1),before skin closure (T2),immediately after extubation (T3) and 15 min after extubation (T4).Side effects such as agitation during emergence from anesthesia were recorded.Sedation was assessed using Ramsay score.Results Compared with group C,the levels of plasma CRP and TNF-α at T2-4 and ratio of TNF-α/IL-10 were significantly decreased,the levels of IL-10 were increased at T2-4,the degree and incidence of agitation were decreased,and Ramsay score was increased in the other three groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with groups DEX and DEZ,the levels of plasma CRP and TNF-α at T2_4 and ratio of TNF-α/IL-10 were significantly decreased,the levels of IL-10 were increased at T2-4,and the degree and incidence of agitation were decreased in group DEX + DEZ (P ＜0.05).No side effects such as hypotension,bradycardia,respiratory depression,nausea and vomiting were observed in the four groups.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine or dezocine alone or combination of the two agents can decrease the degree and occurrence of emergence agitation and inhibit the inflammatory response simultaneously,and the combination of the two agents provides better efficacy than either alone in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Analgesics, opioid; Anesthesia recovery period; Psychomotor agitation

Risk factors for emergence agitation in patients after general anesthesia

Objective To determine the risk factors for emergence agitation (EA) during the recovery period after general anesthesia.Methods One thousand and thirty-four patients of both sexes aged 18-89 yr undergoing general anesthesia were divided into EA group and non-EA group.EA occurring during recovery from general anesthesia was assessed by using Riker sedation-agitation scale.Age,sex,complication,education,medical history,ASA physical status,type and duration of anesthesia and operation,volume of blood loss,fluid replacement,urine volume,duration of stay in PACU,number of drainage tubes and so forth were recorded.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for the occurrence of EA.Results Thirty-six patients developed EA during recovery from anesthesia.The incidence of EA was 3.5 ％.Logistic regression indicated that high risk operation,premedication with diazepam,induction of anesthesia without midazolom and fluid replacement during operation were the risk factors for EA (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion High-risk operation,premedication with diazepam,induction of anesthesia without midazolom and fluid replacement during operation are the risk factors for EA during recovery from general anesthesia. Key words: Anesthesia, general; Anesthesia recovery period; DYSPHORIA; Risk factor; Postoperative complication