Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in reducing bleeding during septoplasty and tympanoplasty operations

To determine the effect of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative bleeding during septoplasty and tympanoplasty operations.

Randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Univesity medical center.

80 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 18 to 65 years, 40 of whom were scheduled for septoplasty and 40 to undergo tympanoplasty operations.

Patients undergoing septoplasty (S) and tympanoplasty (T) operations were randomly divided into 4 groups. Dexmedetomidine (D) was administered to Group SD and Group TD first as a bolus dose of one microg kg(-1), then intraoperative maintenance was supplied with dexmedetomidine 0.7 microg kg(-1) hour(-1). Groups S and T (controls) were given identical amounts of saline. If systolic blood pressure measurements are greater than 20% preoperative values, then fentanyl one microg kg(-1) was given.

Intraoperative blood loss was determined with suction volumes and gauze counting. Bleeding was rated according to a 6-point scale. Hemodynamic parameters and fentanyl administration were recorded.

Group SD had less bleeding and lower bleeding scores (P < 0.05). In addition, this group received less intraoperative fentanyl (P < 0.05). The only significant difference between Groups TD and T was the amount of intraoperative fentanyl given (35.4 +/- 58.8 vs 110.0 +/- 81.0 microg) (P < 0.05).

Dexmedetomidine reduces bleeding, bleeding scores, and intraoperative fentanyl consumption during general anesthesia in septoplasty operations.