ABSTRACT : Dexmedetomidine has been shown to blunt the stress response to surgery. Hence our study was designed to evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) Dexmedetomidine infusion on propofol&Sevoflurane requirements during general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

METHODS : 60 patients scheduled for laproscopic surgeries under general anesthesia were divided into Dexmedetomidine (D) group and Placebo (P) group of 30 each. Group D received a loading dose of Inj. Dexmedetomidine at 1 μg/kg diluted to 20 mL given over 10 min,followed by maintenance with 0.5 μg/kg/h till the end of surgery. Group P received similar volume of IV normal saline. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide in oxygen and Sevoflurane keeping BIS between 40 to 60.Patients were monitored intraoperatively for haemodynamicvariables,depth of anaesthesia&postoperative pain. Results were analysed.

RESULTS : 50% reduction (1 mg/kg) in the induction dose of propofol was observed along with a mean hourly Sevoflurane requirement of 11.10 ± 2.17 mL vs 15.45 ± 3.97 mL to maintain adequate Depth of anaesthesia using BIS in D group when compared to P group. In peri-operative period, the heart rate and MAP were significantly lower in Group D, when compared to placebo. Patients in Group D were better sedated and post-operative pain score was better in Group D compared to Group P.

CONCLUSIONS : Dexmedetomidine is an effective anesthetic adjuvant that reduces propofol&sevoflurane requirements without fear of intraoperative awareness.