Comparing newer information technology device and intranasal dexmedetomidine to allay preoperative anxiety in children. A randomized comparative study

Introduction: Various non-pharmacological interventions are being used to reduce preoperative anxiety in children. Technology-based preoperative preparatory programs have been recently explored and practiced. Dexmedetomidine, one of the many pharmacological agents used to allay anxiety, provides sedation, anxiolysis and analgesic effects without causing respiratory depression. Objetive: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of preoperative newer information technology Devices (NITDs) in the form of a pre-procedure informative video clip with intranasal Dexmedetomidine to allay preoperative anxiety in the pediatric population. Material and Methods: 117 children aged 6-11 years were randomly allocated into two groups. Group-V who were shown a video in which clown physicians explained and acquainted the children with the anaesthesia procedure and equipments in the operating room (OR) in a funny manner. Group-D was given intranasal dexmedetomidine 45 minutes before shifting to OR. Anxiety was assessed on the day before surgery(T1), in the preoperative holding area(T2) and immediately after shifting to OT table(T3). Results: The anxiety scores in T2 and T3 were significantly lower in group-V compared to group-D. The median pain score and requirement of rescue analgesia were significantly higher in the group V compared to group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of emergence delirium, parental anxiety and parental satisfaction between the two groups. Conclusion: The use of NITDs in the form of pre-procedure informative video clip is more effective than pharmacological methods in reducing preoperative anxiety in children. Although, postoperative pain control was superior in children receiving dexmedetomidine.