Dexmedetomidine is an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for its sympatholytic effect, providing sedation, analgesia, and cardiovascular stabilization in the perioperative period. Remifentanil is a µ opioid agonist with a rapid onset and short duration of action, which is degraded by plasma esterase in tissues. Investigators aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions on sedation quality, side effects, and surgeon's satisfaction in geriatric outpatients who underwent cataract surgery.
Dexmedetomidine is an α2 agonist and remifentanil is a short-acting μ, opioid agonist. The aim of this study was to compare dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions used for conscious sedation in geriatric patients undergoing outpatient cataract surgery in terms of sedation quality, hemodynamic stability, and surgeon satisfaction. Eighty patients were divided into two groups according to the administration of dexmedetomidine (Group D) and remifentanil (Group R) infusion in this randomized, prospective, double-blinded study. In group D (n = 40), after a loading of 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 10 minutes, 0.4 µg/kg/h-1 infusion was administered. In Group R (n = 40), remifentanil at a dose of 0.05 µg/kg-1 was administered for 10 minutes, and then 0.05 µg/kg/min-1 infusion was continued.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
80
After Dexmedetomidine infusion was given for 10 minutes, local anesthesia was applied by the surgeon. Peribulbar block and periorbital infiltration application were performed by applying a mixture of lidocaine (Jetokain, Adeka, Turkey) and 1/200000 adrenaline. After the local anesthetic agent was applied by the surgeon, orbital compression was provided for 5 minutes with maximum pressure to block the eyelid movements. Cataract surgery procedures of all patients included in the study were performed by the same surgeon.
After Remifentanil infusion was given for 10 minutes, local anesthesia was applied by the surgeon. Peribulbar block and periorbital infiltration application were performed by applying a mixture of lidocaine (Jetokain, Adeka, Turkey) and 1/200000 adrenaline. After the local anesthetic agent was applied by the surgeon, orbital compression was provided for 5 minutes with maximum pressure to block the eyelid movements. Cataract surgery procedures of all patients included in the study were performed by the same surgeon.
Hacettepe University
Ankara, Sıhhiye, Turkey (Türkiye)
Sedation quality
The Observer Assessment Warning/Sedation Scale (OAA/S) was used to determine the sedation quality of each patient. The minimum and maximum values of OAA/S scale was between 0 and 5. Lower scores mean a better sedation quality.
Time frame: Time interval immediately after the start of the surgery and before the patient is transferred to the postoperative care unit.
Sedation level
Bispectral Index (BIS) was used to determine the sedation level of each patient. The minimum and maximum values for BIS were between 0 and 100. Lower scores mean a deep sedation level.
Time frame: The time interval immediately after the surgery starts and immediately after the surgery ends.
Pain intensity
The Verbal Rating Scale was used to determine severity of the pain in the perioperative period. VRS is a 5-point scale including expressions defining the level of pain intensity (no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, intense pain and maximum pain). Higher scores mean intense pain.
Time frame: The time interval between the start of the surgery and the end of the surgery.
Side effects
The Vissual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting in the perioperative period. The VAS score is discovered by measuring the distance (mm) on the 100-mm line. Patients scoring 75 mm or more were considered to have clinically significant nausea and vomiting.
Time frame: The time interval between the start and the end of the surgery.
Surgeon's satisfaction
The surgeon's satisfaction in terms of the patient's sedation level, cooperation, and anesthesia management was evaluated using a questionnaire. The clinician satisfaction questionnaire was also classified as follows; 0: Not satisfied, 1: Less Satisfied, 2: Satisfied.
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Time frame: Immediately after the surgeon finishes the operation.
Pain intensity
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine the pain intensity in the postoperative period. The pain score is discovered by measuring the distance (mm) on the 100-mm line. Pain level was classified as follows; no pain (0-4 mm), mild pain (5-44 mm), moderate pain (45-74 mm), and severe pain (75-100 mm).
Time frame: Immediately after the surgical procedure is completed and the patient is transferred to the postoperative care unit and before the patient is transferred to the outpatient service.