Dexmedetomidine and surgical field visibility in nasal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nasal and sinus surgery, especially using endoscopy, relies upon adequate haemostasis to be safe and effective. Often other haemostatic methods, such as cautery are not viable, and other methods must be employed. This study examines the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in controlled hypotension and for surgical field visibility in endoscopic sinus surgery and other nasal surgeries.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Central for randomised controlled trials using dexmedetomidine for controlled hypotension in adult patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery or other nasal surgery. Meta-analysis of mean differences and single means were performed.

Of 935 identified studies, 31 met the inclusion criteria. A statistically significant difference in Fromme-Boezaart surgical field visibility scores was found comparing dexmedetomidine to placebo (p < 0.00001) and propofol (p < 0.0001), but not other agents. A significant difference in intraoperative blood loss volume was found compared with placebo (51.5mL, p < 0.00001) and propofol (13.6mL, p < 0.0001), but not other agents.

Dexmedetomidine demonstrated significantly improved surgical field visibility and blood loss volume compared with placebo and propofol, but not other agents. Dexmedetomidine is viable and useful for controlled hypotension in nasal surgery. Choice of controlled hypotension agent should follow patient and procedure-specific considerations.