Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Infusion Without Loading Dose on Hemodynamic Variables and Recovery Time During Craniotomy: A Randomized Double-blinded Controlled Study

Background: Maintaining hemodynamic stability during intracranial surgery is one of the most important tasks. There is no general agreement regarding which anesthetics are optimal for craniotomy. Propofol and short-acting opioids are usually used, but their use is not without side effects. Recently, dexmedetomidine has been considered a safe alternative in different surgeries.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the efficacy of 0.5 µg/kg/h dexmedetomidine infusion without loading dose as an adjunct to general anesthesia for craniotomy.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Setting: Single university teaching hospital's operating rooms and postoperative intensive care unit. Patients: A total of 50 patients scheduled for elective supratentorial craniotomy participated in this study. Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into either control group (group C) and Dexmedetomidine group (group D). Main outcome measure: Intraoperative hemodynamics measurements at specific timings.

Results: We found that dexmedetomidine had significantly maintained mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate (P-value < 0.001); with lower intraoperative fentanyl and propofol consumption in group D (132 ± 35 µg and 14 ± 30 mg, respectively) when compared to group C (260 ± 38 µg and 534 ± 66 mg, respectively). Finally, a lesser sedation level was noticed in the dexmedetomidine group, together with a significantly lesser recovery time of 10.3 ± 4 min.

Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine infusion without loading dose could be an efficacious and safe agent in achieving hemodynamic stability with intraoperative opioid-sparing effect and lesser recovery time.