Efficacy of Intraoperative Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Analgesia among Patients following Gynecological Surgeries – A Comparative Observational Study

CONTEXT: Dexmedetomidine has been used as an adjuvant to minimize the adverse effects associated with opioids, either in the form of intravenous injection or intravenous infusion. AIM: The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine when administered via intravenous infusion and intravenous bolus injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative observational study was conducted among 1000 participants aged 35-65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II, scheduled to undergo elective gynecological surgeries. Participants were divided into Group D (received a loading dose of bolus 0.5 μg/kg, followed by 0.3 μg/kg/h intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine) and Group C (control group) 15 min before the induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic variables, recovery time, rescue analgesia, pain scores, and any adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Participants in Group D had lower hemodynamic parameters (after 1 h till the end of surgery) (P < 0.05). Participants in Group D took fewer rescue analgesics compared to Group C (P = 0.001), and recovery time was prolonged in Group D (P = 0.001). Pain scores were lower in Group D compared to Group C (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A loading dose of intravenous bolus followed by intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine is a valuable adjunct in the perioperative management of such patients, offering potential benefits in enhancing recovery and reducing the need for postsurgical analgesia.