Effect of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine on Early Attention Network Function After Gynaecological Surgery: A...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a frequent complication following surgery and anesthesia.
• The impact of dexmedetomidine on postoperative attention network function remains insufficiently understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the function of attention networks in the early postoperative period.
• To assess changes in inflammatory factors and neurotransmitters in response to dexmedetomidine.

Main Methods:

• Eighty patients aged 40-60 undergoing elective gynecological surgery received either dexmedetomidine or placebo before total intravenous anesthesia.
• The Attention Network Test (ANT) was employed to evaluate three attention networks (alerting, orienting, executive control) pre- and post-operation.
• Blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine).

Main Results:

• Postoperatively, both groups exhibited impaired attention networks; however, dexmedetomidine group showed less impairment in the alerting network and complete protection of the orienting network.
• The executive control network improved in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the placebo group.
• In the placebo group, inflammatory factors increased, while acetylcholine and dopamine levels decreased post-operation; dexmedetomidine influenced these factors differently.

Conclusions:

• Dexmedetomidine demonstrates a protective effect against early postoperative attention network dysfunction in middle-aged female patients.
• The findings suggest a potential role for dexmedetomidine in mitigating neurocognitive complications after surgery.