Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare dexmedetomidine versus midazolam/remifentanil combination for monitorized anaesthesia care during nasal septal surgery.

Material and Methods:

50 patients undergoing nasal septal surgery under local anaesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups. Group D received 0,3 µg kg-1 hr-1 dexmedetomidine infusion after the loading dose of 1 µg kg-1/10 min. Group M/R received 0,05 mg kg-1 bolus dose of midazolam over 30 seconds followed by 0,05 mg kg-1 min-1 remifentanil infusion. The infusion rates were adjusted to target level of sedation and analgesia scores. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, analgesia and sedation scores were recorded before (0 min.) and 1, 5 and 10 minutes after sedation, and every 5 minutes thereafter. Total amount of drugs used, patient and surgeon satisfaction scores, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, postanaesthetic Aldrete scores, amnesia and postoperative recovery scores and side effects were recorded at 1., 5., 15., 30. minutes, and 1., 2., and 4. hours, postoperatively.

Results:

Sedation scores were higher in group M/R at 5 and 15 minutes, postoperatively (p<0.05). Heart rates were lower in Group D at 10 and 35 minutes (p<0.05). Respiratory rates were lower in Group M/R throughout the operation (p<0.05) and also SpO2 values were lower at 5., 10. and 15. minutes (p<0.05). Cost of anesthesia in Group D was higher (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

During monitorized anaesthesia care midazolam/remifentanil can be used for rapid onset of sedation in the absence of pulmonary disease while taking measures for desaturation. Dexmedetomidine may be preferred not disregarding bradycardic complications in symptomatic pulmonary disease, and its higher cost.

Keywords: Monitored anaesthesia care, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, remifentanil