Hepatic Protective Effect of Dexmedetomidine after Partial Hepatectomy Surgery: A Prospective Controlled Study

Inflow occlusion of the portal triad is a common blood loss-reducing method during hepatectomy which may induce ischemic-reperfusion injury of the remaining parts of the liver. Dexmedetomidine is used for reducing ischemic-reperfusion injury in hepatectomy.

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of dexmedetomidine on liver after partial hepatectomy using inflow occlusion.

This prospective controlled, double-blinded, randomized study included any patients of either sex with age between 20 and 70 years, those in physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists Classes I and II, and those who were planned for partial hepatectomy.

Patients with elective hepatectomy were randomized into dexmedetomidine group, which received dexmedetomidine at 0.3 mg/kg/h, and control group, which received a placebo.

Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software version 18. Data were tested using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, prothrombin time were higher in control group in comparison to dexmedetomidine group. Hypotension duration was lower in control group in comparison to dexmedetomidine group. Vasoconstrictor usage, amount of blood loss, and colloid, crystalloid, and blood given to patients were higher in control group in comparison to the study group.

Dexmedetomidine can protect the liver during hepatic resection surgery with inflow occlusion with decreasing blood loss and need for blood transfusion.