Objective:

In this study, we compared the effects of remifentanyl and dexmedetomidine on haemodynamic parameters, inhalation agent consumption and thyroid hormone levels at the late postoperative period.

Methods:

Forty-five euthroid patients, who were ASA I-II, between 20-75 years of age, randomly assigned in to three groups: During induction, • Group R received 1.0 mcg kg-1 remifentanyl as slow bolus in two minutes, • Group D received 1.0 mcg kg-1 dexmedetomidine in 10 minutes as infusion • Group C received 1.0 mcg kg-1 fentanyl as bolus. Afterwards, all patients received 2.0 mg kg-1 propofol and 0.2 mg kg-1 cis-atracurium for induction. During operation and up to 15 minutes before the end of the operation for anaesthesia maintenance; • Group R received 0.05 mcg kg-1 min-1 remifentanyl, • Group D received 0.5 mcg kg-1 h-1 deksmedetomidine infusions. During the operation, heart rate, average arterial pressure and end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations were recorded for every patient. Venous blood samples were taken after the operation, at postoperative 24th hour and postoperative 5th day and the variations in fT3, fT4, TSH levels were analyzed.

Results:

Mean arterial pressure values and sevoflurane consumption were lower in Group R and Group D in comparison with the control group. In comparison between groups, the decrease in fT3 values for control groups at postoperative 24th hour was more significant than the other two groups.

Conclusion:

We suggest that, both agents suppress the hemodynamic response, decrease the consumption of inhalation agents and affect less changes in thyroid hormones which can be considered as one of the indicators of endocrine response.

Keywords: Thyroid hormones, cholecystectomy, sevoflurane, dexmedetomidine, remifentanil