The Effect of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Spinal Block and Sedation

WOS: 000360662600009Purpose: Spinal anesthesia is often preferred anesthesia technique in urological surgery. Some patients may require sedation during spinal anesthesia. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine on sedation, motor and sensory blockade under spinal anesthesia with levobupivacaine. Material and Methods: Our randomised, double-blind study was applied to ASA I-III, 18-75 years old 50 patients scheduled for transurethral surgery. The patients were divided into two groups and spinal anesthesia with 5% levobupivacaine 12.5 mg was administered to all patients. Intravenous dexmedetomidine was received 1 mu g/kg for loading dose before 0.5 mu g/kg/hour infusion to Group D (n=25). Saline infusion was given to Group S (n=25) as the same volume and infusion rate of dexmedetomidine. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation values, pain and sedation score, the level and duration of motor and sensorial block, recovery and patient comfort score and side effects were recorded. Results: Time to reach maximum block level and duration of spinal anesthesia were longer in Group D than Group S. Sedation scores were significantly higher in Group D than Group S intraoperatively (except 1th minute) and postoperatively 10th and 15th minutes. The incidence of side effects, postoperative recovery and patient comfort values were similar between the groups. Conclusion: We found that dexmedetomidine prolongs duration of motor block, provides safe and effective sedation without increasing the incidence of side effect in the patients under spinal anesthesia