Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Pregabalin as Premedication Agent to Attenuate Adverse Hemodynamic and Stress Response in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedure. The goal of anesthetic management is to minimize stress response and early discharge. Dexmedetomidine, and pregabalin have been used successfully to attenuate laryngoscopy and intubation response in various surgical procedures. AIM: To compare efficacy of pregablin and dexmedetomidine in attenuating hemodynamic and stress response. SETTING AND DESIGN: A prospective, double blind randomized trial comprising 130 ASA physical status class I and II patients posted for laparsoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized in to Group A and Group B. Group A received intravenous dexmedetomidine in a dose of 1 ug.kg(-1), through an infusion pump 20 min prior to induction of anaesthesia. Group B subjects received oral pregabalin 150 mg. Parameters observed were vitals, discharge time, cortisol level, side effects if any. RESULTS: Post intervention heart rate got reduced significantly in Group A and it remained low in comparison to baseline during whole peri-operative period. In Group B, immediate post-pneumoperitoneum heart rate, and post exubation heart rate was higher than baseline. Blood pressure (BP) decreased significantly post intervention in Group A which persisted till pneumoperitoneum. In Group B there was statistically significant rise in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure postpneumoperitoneum as compared to baseline blood pressure. Post-operative cortisol level was significantly higher than baseline values and the level is more in Group B. CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexmedetomidine is more effective than oral pregabalin in attenuating perioperative stress response.