Evaluation of the perioperative effects of dexmedetomidine on tympanoplasty operations

This randomized double-blind study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic parameters and the quality of surgery and recovery criteria in tympanoplasty operations. A total of 75 patients 18–55 years undergoing tympanoplasty, who were graded as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 included patients receiving remifentanil alone, Group 2 included patients receiving dexmedetomidine + remifentanil and Group 3 included patients receiving dexmedetomidine + ½ remifentanil. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and cisatracurium. For maintenance of anesthesia, a mixture of 2–2.5% sevoflurane, 40–60% oxygen/air was used. The groups were compared in terms of hemodynamic parameters, surgical area, recovery criteria, modified Aldrete, pain scores, additional analgesic requirements and adverse effects. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate values of Group 1 were higher at the time of intubation, incision, spontaneous breathing and extubation compared to Group 2 and Group 3. Surgical field satisfaction was higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1. Spontaneous breathing, eye opening and verbal cooperation times were shorter in Group 3 compared to Group 2. Eye opening and verbal cooperation times were longer in Group 2 compared to Group 1. The 30-minute modified Aldrete scores was higher in Group 3 compared to Group 1. There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain and adverse effects. The use of dexmedetomidine during tympanoplasty operations may provide better hemodynamic control and surgical view, may provide faster recovery and may reduce remifentanil consumption. •The use of dexmedetomidine during tympanoplasty enhance surgeon satisfaction via better quality of surgical field and reduce opioid related side effects.