Effects of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative hemodynamics, recovery profile and postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: To investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine to maintain hemodynamic stability, prevent of cough and minimize postoperative pain for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients were randomly divided into D(1), D(2), D(3) and NS groups, and dexmedetomidine 0.4, 0.6, 0.8μg/kg and normal saline were administrated respectively. Patients’ heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured at T(1)-T(7). The incidence of cough was recorded. Other parameters were noted, the time of spontaneous respiratory recovery and extubation, visual analogue scale scores and dosage of tramadol. RESULTS: The heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of D(2) and D(3) groups has smaller fluctuations at T2–3 and T7 compared with NS and D(1) groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of cough was lower in D(2) and D(3) groups than NS group (P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores and tramadol dosage of D(2) and D(3) groups were lower than NS group (P < 0.05). The time of spontaneous respiratory recovery and extubation in D(3) group was longer than that in D(1) and D(2) groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous infusion of 0.6μg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction can maintain hemodynamic stability, decrease cough during emergence, relieve postoperative pain of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1900024801, registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, principal investigator: Qin Ye, date of registration: July 28, 2019.