Effect of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on Opioid - Sparing Effect in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries - A Pilot Study

Background: The aim of this open - label, observational, pilot study was to determine the opioid - sparing effect in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries aged between 18 - 65 years. Methods: 50 patients were enrolled in this study as per inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of 25 subjects. Group D had intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine and Group N was given a placebo. Patient?s vitals, mRASS, and NRS were recorded pre - induction to medication, intraoperatively as well as postoperatively. Result: 50 patients were studied for intranasal dexmedetomidine in the Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal. Based on the data analysis following observations were made. Patients of both groups were comparable concerning age, BMI, gender, and ASA grading. These two groups are compared based on mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), numerical rating scale (NRS), modified Richmond agitation sedation score (mRASS) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Conclusion: The findings in this study suggested that intranasal dexmedetomidine had a significant effect on Heart Rate, Mean Arterial Pressure, less effect on Respiratory Rate, and Oxygen Saturation, providing an opioid - sparing effect by reducing postoperative pain.