STUDY THE EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON THE RECOVERY PROFILE IN SUBJECTS UNDERGOING ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY USING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

Background: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) requires hemodynamic stability and minimal bleeding for optimal outcomes. Dexmedetomidine, a selective 2-adrenergic agonist, may help by providing sedation, analgesia, and hypotension without respiratory depression, yet its role in recovery profiles remains under-evaluated. Objectives: To assess the effects of dexmedetomidine on the recovery profile, hemodynamic stability, emergence agitation, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing FESS under general anaesthesia. Methodology: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center from January 2023 to December 2024. Sixty adult patients undergoing FESS under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups: Group A (control) and Group B (dexmedetomidine). Group B received 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine post-intubation. Hemodynamic parameters, emergence time, agitation, postoperative pain (VAS), and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with t-tests and Chi-square tests, considering p < 0.05 as significant. Results:Baseline demographic and physiological parameters were comparable between groups. Group B (dexmedetomidine) showed significantly lower heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, MAP, respiratory rate, and EtCO2 during emergence (p < 0.001). SPO2 remained similar in both groups. Emergence agitation was significantly lower in Group B (23.3%) versus Group A (83.3%) (p < 0.001). Mean VAS scores were significantly lower in Group B, indicating better postoperative pain control (p < 0.001). Postoperative adverse events like nausea, vomiting, and shivering were fewer in Group B, though drowsiness and hypotension were slightly higher. No significant respiratory depression or desaturation was noted in either group. Recovery times were not prolonged by dexmedetomidine. The drug provided better hemodynamic stability and smoother recovery without major side effects. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine effectively stabilizes intraoperative hemodynamics, reduces postoperative pain and agitation, and improves recovery profile without prolonging recovery or causing significant adverse events, making it a safe and valuable adjunct in FESS under general anaesthesia.