Hemodynamic Management Research Articles

Discussion to: Advanced artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management within cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery pathways: A multi-institution review

Discussion to: Advanced artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management within cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery pathways: A multi-institution review

Hemodynamic failure and graft dysfunction after lung transplant: A possible clinical continuum with immediate and long-term consequences.

The postoperative hemodynamic management after lung transplant (LUTX) is guided by limited evidence. We aimed to describe and evaluate risk factors and outcomes of postoperative vasoactive support of LUTX recipients. In a single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive adult LUTX, two cohorts were identified: (1) patients needing prolonged vasoactive support (>12h from ICU admission) (VASO+); (2) or not (VASO-). Postoperative hemodynamic characteristics were thoroughly analyzed. Risk factors and outcomes of VASO+ versus VASO- cohorts were assessed by multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching. One hundred and thirty-eight patients were included (86 (62%) VASO+ versus 52 (38%) VASO-). Vasopressors (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) were used in the first postoperative days (vasoactive inotropic score at 12h: 6 [4-12]), while inodilators (dobutamine, levosimendan) later. Length of vasoactive support was 3 [2-4] days. Independent predictors of vasoactive use were: LUTX indication different from cystic fibrosis (p=.003), higher Oto score (p=.020), longer cold ischemia time (p=.031), but not preoperative cardiac catheterization. VASO+ patients showed concomitant hemodynamic and graft impairment, with longer mechanical ventilation (p=.010), higher primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade at 72h (PGD grade>0 65% vs. 31%, p=.004, OR 4.2 [1.54-11.2]), longer ICU (p<.001) and hospital stay (p=.013). Levosimendan as a second-line inodilator appeared safe. Vasoactive support is frequently necessary after LUTX, especially in recipients of grafts of lesser quality. Postoperative hemodynamic dysfunction requiring vasopressor support and graft dysfunction may represent a clinical continuum with immediate and long-term consequences. Further studies may elucidate if this represents a possible treatable condition.

Management of post-cardiac arrest syndrome

Background: Despite various advances in resuscitation science, the overall survival outcome remains very low in patients who sustain sudden cardiac death. Regardless of the cause of the collapse, multiple organ systems may be injured secondary to post-cardiac arrest syndrome. This column highlights the interventions that can be incorporated as a bundle of post-resuscitation care, to narrow the gap between return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neurologically intact survival.Current Concepts: The post-cardiac arrest care algorithm presents treatment strategies and therapeutic goals to be considered in the initial stabilization stage, followed by investigating the cause of cardiac arrest and intensive care strategies to reduce additional brain damage. Immediately after ROSC, multimodal interventions required for post-ROSC care are bundled into a care regimen (treatment of the reversible cause, adequate seizure management, and glycemic control). It is also essential to establish definitive airway management to maintain normocapnic ventilation, prevent hyperoxia, and optimize hemodynamic management. Targeted temperature management after ROSC confers neuroprotection and leads to improved neurological outcomes.Discussion and Conclusion: Post-cardiac arrest care is also emphasized as a key element in the chain of survival. The interventions outlined could lead to more patients being discharged alive from the hospital, with good neurological function. In addition, continued management planning, such as secondary prevention and social rehabilitation for cardiac arrest survivors and neurological prognostication for patients who do not recover consciousness after a certain period, are included.

Prehospital Administration of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine for Shock after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest

Introduction Shock after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is often treated with vasopressors. We examined whether infusion of epinephrine versus norepinephrine was associated with prehospital rearrest and neurologically favorable survival among OHCA patients. Methods This retrospective study included OHCA cases in Seattle, Washington from 2014-2021 who had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) followed by vasopressor infusion. Our primary exposure was infusion of epinephrine or norepinephrine. Our primary outcome was prehospital rearrest. Secondary outcomes included survival and neurologically favorable outcome (Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2). We used multivariable logistic regression to test associations between exposures and outcomes adjusting for key covariates. Results Of 451 OHCA patients with ROSC followed by vasopressor infusion, 253 (56%) received norepinephrine and 198 (44%) received epinephrine infusions. Those who received epinephrine were older (median 66 [interquartile ranges {IQR} 53-79] vs 63 [IQR 47-75] years), but otherwise had similar baseline characteristics. Patients who received epinephrine were twice as likely to rearrest (55% vs 25%). After adjustment, the difference in rearrest rates between epinephrine and norepinephrine persisted (OR 3.28, 95%CI 2.25-5.08), and the odds of pulses at hospital arrival were lower in the epinephrine group (OR 0.52 95%CI 0.32-0.83). After adjustment, there was no difference in neurologically favorable survival, survival to hospital admission, or survival to discharge. Conclusion Patients who received epinephrine infusions after ROSC suffered prehospital rearrest more frequently than those who received norepinephrine. Survival and neurological status at hospital discharge were similar. Future trials should examine the optimal approach to hemodynamic management for post-OHCA shock.

The intraoperative management of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has become the second most commonly performed robotic surgical procedure worldwide, therefore, anesthesiologists should be aware of the intraoperative pathophysiological consequences. The aim of this narrative review is to report the most recent updates regarding the intraoperative management of anesthesia, ventilation, hemodynamics and central nervous system, during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Surgical innovations and the advent of new technologies make it imperative to optimize the anesthesia management to provide the most holistic approach possible. In addition, an ageing population with an increasing burden of comorbidities requires multifocal attention to reduce the surgical stress. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and balanced general anesthesia are similar in terms of postoperative complications and hospital stay. Reversal of rocuronium is associated with shorter hospital stay and postanesthesia recovery time. Adequate PEEP levels improve oxygenation and driving pressure, and the use of a single recruitment maneuver after the intubation reduces postoperative pulmonary complications. Restrictive intravenous fluid administration minimizes bladder-urethra anastomosis complications and facial edema. TIVA maintains a better autoregulation compared with balanced general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should be able to optimize the intraoperative management to improve outcomes.

Usefulness of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography for hemodynamic management of liver transplantation in a patient with massive polycystic liver disease: a case report

BackgroundHemodynamic management during anesthesia in liver transplantation for patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) can be more challenging because of the bleeding and hemodynamic alterations due to the markedly enlarged liver. We hereby report a case of PLD wherein transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was employed for optimal hemodynamic monitoring during liver transplantation.Case presentationA 61-year-old man was scheduled to undergo liver transplantation for massive PLD. Hemodynamic instability was associated with mechanical displacement of the giant cystic liver. TEE results revealed the collapse of the inferior vena cava due to liver displacement. TEE also detected intrathoracic hemorrhage triggered by detachment from the markedly enlarged liver.ConclusionTEE is a valuable monitoring tool for sharing information with surgeons and diagnostic modality for finding the source of bleeding in liver transplantation for PLD and may contribute majorly to the quality of perioperative management.

The Clinical Relevance of Autonomic Dysfunction, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Sleep Interactions in Individuals Living With SCI

A myriad of physiological impairments is seen in individuals after a spinal cord injury (SCI). These include altered autonomic function, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep. These physiological systems are interconnected and likely insidiously interact leading to secondary complications. These impairments negatively influence quality of life. A comprehensive review of these systems, and their interplay, may improve clinical treatment and the rehabilitation plan of individuals living with SCI. Thus, these physiological measures should receive more clinical consideration. This special communication introduces the under investigated autonomic dysfunction, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep disorders in people with SCI to stakeholders involved in SCI rehabilitation. We also discuss the linkage between autonomic dysfunction, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep disorders and some secondary outcomes are discussed. Recent evidence is synthesized to make clinical recommendations on the assessment and potential management of important autonomic, cerebral hemodynamics, and sleep-related dysfunction in people with SCI. Finally, a few recommendations for clinicians and researchers are provided.

Anesthetic Approaches and Perioperative Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Gaucher Disease: A Control-Matched Retrospective-Cohort Study.

Gaucher disease's (GD) pathophysiology generates anesthetic concerns in total hip joint arthroplasty (THA), and due to its rareness, data on perioperative risks are scarce. This 22-year study at a large reference center addresses anesthetic management and perioperative outcomes in GD. This retrospective-cohort study assessed anesthetic success and safety in 30 THA patients, comparing them with a control-matched group. Data on clinical characteristics, perioperative events, and outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was the success rate of anesthesia induction performance at first attempt. Secondary outcomes were difficult intraoperative course and hemodynamic management, and the development of postoperative complications. The age, sex, weight, body mass index, and primary-to-revision hip arthroplasty ratio were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference at all-type anesthesia first initiation attempt success. No particular preference by staff anesthetists for general anesthesia or neuraxial procedures was observed. The GD group showed a significantly higher mean of intraoperative packed Red Blood Cell units administered ((0.73 vs. 0.18); (p = 0.038)), higher intraoperative and postoperative platelet transfusion incidence ((5/30 [16.7%] vs. 0/56 [0.00%]; p = 0.004) and (3/30 [10%] vs. 0/56 [0%]; p = 0.040)), and longer mean recovery room length of stay (426 ± 412 vs. 175 ± 140; p = 0.004). Postoperative complications were not significantly different.

Advanced artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management within cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery pathways: A multi-institution review

ObjectiveThe study objective was to report early outcomes of integrating Hypotension Prediction Index–guided hemodynamic management within a cardiac enhanced recovery pathway on total initial ventilation hours and length of stay in the intensive care unit. MethodsA multicenter, historical control, observational analysis of implementation of a hemodynamic management tool within enhanced recovery pathways was conducted by identifying cardiac surgery cases from 3 sites during 2 time periods, August 1 to December 31, 2019 (preprogram), and April 1 to August 31, 2021 (program). Reoperations, emergency (salvage), or cases requiring mechanical assist were excluded. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and chart reviews. Two primary outcome variables were length of stay in the intensive care unit (using Society of Thoracic Surgeons definitions) and acute kidney injury (using modified Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria). One secondary outcome variable, total initial ventilation hours, used Society of Thoracic Surgeons definitions. Differences in length of stay in the intensive care unit and total ventilation time were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and stepwise multiple linear regression. Acute kidney injury stage used chi-square and stepwise cumulative logistic regression. ResultsA total of 1404 cases (795 preprogram; 609 program) were identified. Overall reductions of 6.8 and 4.4 hours in intensive care unit length of stay (P = .08) and ventilation time (P = .03) were found, respectively. No significant association between proportion of patients identified with acute kidney injury by stage and period was found. ConclusionsAdding artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management to cardiac enhanced recovery pathways resulted in associated reduced time in the intensive care unit for patients undergoing nonemergency cardiac surgery across institutions in a real-world setting.

Mode of Mechanical Ventilation in a Case of Venolymphatic Malformation: Spontaneous-Saves, Positive-Precludes.

Mediastinal venolymphatic malformations (VLM) are rare tumours, with very few reported cases in the literature. Arising often from the anterior mediastinum, VLM manifests symptoms based on invaded surrounding structures. Masses from the anterior and superior mediastinum pose an anaesthetic challenge for airway and hemodynamic management. A 7-month-old male child presented with a progressively growing mass over the left anterior chest wall for one month, about 4x4 cm, with diffuse margins and now expanded to involve the root of the neck and into the axilla. The patient was free from any apparent systemic illness. The breathing difficulty worsened in the past week with noisy respiration associated with feeding difficulty and hence sought medical admission to the paediatrics emergency unit. In conclusion, such huge mediastinal masses are managed better under spontaneous ventilation with an adequate surgical depth of anaesthesia to maintain appropriate respiratory compliance and necessitate lower peak inspiratory pressure. Given rare cases reported in the literature, similar topics would help choose the modus of ventilation and their safe management.

Eight rules for the haemodynamic management of traumatic brain-injured patients

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of death and poor neurological outcomes in trauma patients, is a primary cause of severe disability among survivors and a major public health burden globally. Optimal haemodynamic management is a keystone of care in avoiding secondary brain injury, and contributes to minimising mortality and morbidity. Although some important progress has been achieved, a paucity of high-quality recommendations still exists. The purpose of this article is to review the current knowledge on TBI-associated haemodynamic tenets, in order to summarise the most important aspects of this heterogeneous and complex field.

A Population-Informed Particle Filter for Robust Physiological Monitoring Using Low-Information Time-Series Measurements.

To present the population-informed particle filter (PIPF), a novel filtering approach that incorporates past experiences with patients into the filtering process to provide reliable beliefs about a new patient's physiological state. To derive the PIPF, we formulate the filtering problem as recursive inference on a probabilistic graphical model, which includes representations for the pertinent physiological dynamics and the hierarchical relationship between past and present patient characteristics. Then, we provide an algorithmic solution to the filtering problem using Sequential Monte-Carlo techniques. To demonstrate the merits of the PIPF approach, we apply it to a case study of physiological monitoring for hemodynamic management. The PIPF approach could provide reliable beliefs about the likely values and uncertainties associated with a patient's unmeasured physiological variables (e.g., hematocrit and cardiac output), characteristics (e.g., tendency for atypical behavior), and events (e.g., hemorrhage) given low-information measurements. The PIPF shows promise in the presented case study, and may have applications to a wider range of real-time monitoring problems with limited measurements. Forming reliable beliefs about a patient's physiological state is an essential aspect of algorithmic decision-making in medical care settings. Hence, the PIPF may serve as a solid basis for designing interpretable and context-aware physiological monitoring, medical decision-support, and closed-loop control algorithms.

Effect of rScO2-Guided Blood Pressure Management on Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postoperative complications are common after major surgical procedures, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) reflects cerebral and global perfusion, and thus it can be used to guide hemodynamic management. We aim to explore the effect of rScO2-guided blood pressure management strategy on postoperative major complications in older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery. This randomized controlled clinical trial includes a total of 400 elderly patients receiving major noncardiac surgery and general anesthesia. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to one of two blood pressure management groups: a standard care group (targeting mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg or within 20% of baseline value), and a rScO2-guided group (absolute value of rScO2 >60% or decrease in rScO2 <10% of baseline). The primary outcome is the composite outcome of major complications (including infectious, respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, thromboembolic gastrointestinal, and surgical complications) and deaths within the first 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the individual components of the primary outcome by day 7 after surgery and 30-day mortality. Data will be analyzed in the modified intention-to-treat population. This study will provide evidence for improving postoperative outcomes using the rScO2-guided blood pressure management among older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: ChiCTR2200060816).

Superior Vena Cava Flow in Preterm Infants and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Superior vena cava (SVC) flow has been considered a surrogate marker of systemic blood flow in neonates. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between low SVC flow recorded during the early neonatal period and neonatal outcomes. We searched the following databases (until December 9, 2020; updated October 21, 2022): PROSPERO, OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global, and SCOPUS using controlled vocabulary and key words representing the concepts "superior vena cava" and "flow" and "neonate." Results were exported to COVIDENCE review management software. The search retrieved 593 records after the removal of duplicates, of which 11 studies (nine cohorts) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies included infants born at <30 weeks of gestation. The included studies were assessed as high risk of bias in terms of the incomparability of the study groups, with infants in the low SVC flow group noted to be more immature than those in the normal SVC flow group or subjected to different cointerventions. We did not conduct meta-analyses in view of the significant clinical heterogeneity noted in the included studies. We found little evidence to suggest that SVC flow in the early neonatal period is an independent predictor for adverse clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Included studies were assessed at high risk of bias. We conclude that SVC flow interpretation for prognostication or for making treatment decisions should be restricted to the research setting for now. We highlight the need for strengthened methods in future research studies. KEY POINTS: · We studied whether low SVC flow in the early neonatal period is a marker for adverse outcomes in preterm infants.. · There is insufficient evidence to conclude that low SVC flow is a valid predictor of adverse outcomes.. · There is insufficient evidence to conclude that SVC flow-directed hemodynamic management improves clinical outcomes..

Pulse Pressure Variation-Based Intraoperative Fluid Management Versus Traditional Fluid Management for Colon Cancer Patients Undergoing Open Mass Resection and Anastomosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Bowel edema leads to decreased perfusion and oxygenation of the intestine at the anastomotic site after colonic mass resection with failure of healing and leakage. Additionally, dehydration causes bowel hypoperfusion and difficulty healing with more complications. Fluid therapy guided by dynamic monitoring of fluid response can help avoid bowel dehydration and edema with fewer complications. The main goal of this study was to compare the effects of intraoperative fluid therapy based on pulse pressure variation (PPV) to traditional fluid therapy to maintain adequate hydration without intraoperative instability of hemodynamics and postoperative complications. This randomized controlled study was conducted on 90 adult patients (age range: 18-70 years) undergoing elective open colonic mass resection and anastomosis at Eldemerdash Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. There were two groups of patients, namely group A (n = 45; conventional fluid management [CFM] group) and group B (n = 45; goal-guided fluid management [GGFM] group based on PPV), using randomly generated data from a computer. Intraoperative fluids and vasopressors were given using GGFM or routine care. The key tool for directing hemodynamic management in the GGFM algorithm was the fluid protocol and PPV. As a result, the outcomes were measured to include the volume of intraoperative fluid, water fraction, and postoperative complications. In this study, 90 patients underwent analysis. Both groups' demographics were similar (P > 0.05). Baseline characteristics and surgical procedures did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both the amount of urine output and the intraoperative administration of crystalloids were statistically significantly higher in group A (P < 0.05). The two groups' heart rate, mean arterial pressure and intraoperative usage of colloids and ephedrine were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Water fraction, bowel recovery, anastomotic leak, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the CFM group (P < 0.05). For patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I - II undergoing elective open resection of colonic mass and anastomosis, PPV-based GGFM, a less invasive tool for intraoperative fluid management, might be a better option than CFM.

Hemodynamic management of septic shock: beyond the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines.

Although the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines provide standardized and generalized guidance, they are less individualized. This review focuses on recent updates in the hemodynamic management of septic shock. Monitoring and intervention for septic shock should be personalized according to the phase of shock. In the salvage phase, fluid resuscitation and vasopressors should be given to provide life-saving tissue perfusion. During the optimization phase, tissue perfusion should be optimized. In the stabilization and de-escalation phases, minimal fluid infusion and safe fluid removal should be performed, respectively, while preserving organ perfusion. There is controversy surrounding the use of restrictive versus liberal fluid strategies after initial resuscitation. Fluid administration after initial resuscitation should depend upon the patient's fluid responsiveness and requires individualized management. A number of dynamic tests have been proposed to monitor fluid responsiveness, which can help clinicians decide whether to give fluid or not. The optimal timing for the initiation of vasopressor agents is unknown. Recent data suggest that early vasopressor initiation should be considered. Inotropes can be considered in patients with decreased cardiac contractility associated with impaired tissue perfusion despite adequate volume status and arterial blood pressure. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered for refractory septic shock with severe cardiac systolic dysfunction.

Haemodynamic management in brain death donors: Influence of aetiology of brain death

Haemodynamic management in brain death donors: Influence of aetiology of brain death

Intraoperative serum lactate levels as a prognostic predictor of outcome for emergency abdominal surgery: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe relationship between intraoperative lactate levels and prognosis after emergency gastrointestinal surgery remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of intraoperative lactate levels for predicting in-hospital mortality, and to examine intraoperative hemodynamic managements.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of emergency GI surgeries performed at our institution between 2011 and 2020. The study group comprised patients admitted to intensive care units postoperatively, and whose intraoperative and postoperative lactate levels were available. Intraoperative peak lactate levels (intra-LACs) were selected for analysis, and in-hospital mortality was set as the primary outcome. The prognostic value of intra-LAC was assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsOf the 551 patients included in the study, 120 died postoperatively. Intra-LAC in the group who survived and the group that died was 1.80 [interquartile range [IQR], 1.19–3.01] mmol/L and 4.22 [IQR, 2.15–7.13] mmol/L (P < 0.001), respectively. Patients who died had larger volumes of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and fluid administration, and were administered higher doses of vasoactive drugs. Logistic regression analysis showed that intra-LAC was an independent predictor of postoperative mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.210, 95% CI 1.070 –1.360, P = 0.002). The volume of RBCs, fluids transfused, and the amount of vasoactive agents administered were not independent predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve for intra-LAC for in-hospital mortality was 0.762 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.711–0.812), with a cutoff value of 3.68 mmol/L by Youden index.ConclusionsIntraoperative lactate levels, but not hemodynamic management, were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality after emergency GI surgery.

Comparison of adding magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine and ondansetron to lidocaine for gargling before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation to prevent sore throat: a randomized clinical trial.

Postoperative sore throat is one well-recognized complication, occurring most frequently following tracheal intubation. Effective prevention of postoperative sore throat has been recognized as a top priority, bringing pleasant feelings and satisfaction to patients. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine and ondansetron gargle with lidocaine administrated prior to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation for postoperative sore throat prevention alongside hemodynamic management. This double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 105 general anesthesia-administered patients who had undergone laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, and they were equally randomized into three groups: magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine, and ondansetron groups. No significant intergroup difference was seen in oxygen saturation, non-invasive blood pressure, heart rate, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, analgesic consumption, and incidence of cough and hoarseness. The results showed statistically significant intergroup differences in pain scores and average pain intensity in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than the other groups. Results suggest that dexmedetomidine gargle with lidocaine before general anesthesia induction could be recommended as an option depending on the patient's general condition and the anesthesiologist's discretion.

Hemodynamic Safety and Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Superficial Cervical Block Quality for Carotid Endarterectomy: A Prospective Study

Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics (LAs) in regional anesthesia has demonstrated a positive effect on the quality of regional blocks, but there are no studies on usage in superficial cervical block (SCB) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA), in which the management of mean arterial pressure is essential. The authors designed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to investigate the effects of the addition of dexmedetomidine on the hemodynamic management and quality of SCB. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. A single-center study at a university hospital center. Ultrasound-guided SCB was performed on 60 patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades II and III undergoing elective CEA surgery who were assigned into 2 groups randomly. Both groups received 2 mg/kg of 0.5% levobupivacaine with 2 mg/kg of 2% lidocaine. The intervention group additionally received 50 μg of dexmedetomidine. The onset and duration of sensory block and analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects were recorded. There were minimum effects on hemodynamic parameters and no differences in the incidence of adverse effects. The time to first analgesia was longer in the intervention group than in the control group (N=30). There was no difference in the duration of the sensory block between groups. The log-rank test indicated a significant difference in the probability of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale <3. The addition of 50 μg of dexmedetomidine to 0.5% levobupivacaine and 2% lidocaine for SCB did not influence the hemodynamics and frequency of adverse effects. The median sensory block duration time showed no statistical difference between the groups, but the quality of analgesia postoperatively was much improved in the study group.