Discharge readiness after minor gynaecological surgeries comparing dexmedetomidine and ketamine premedication in bispectral index (BIS) guided propofol-based anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dexmedetomidine and ketamine are commonly used pre-medicants to propofol. Previous literature shows a delay in recovery with their use without any clarity on discharge. This study was planned to find out whether adding these premedicants to Bispectral index (BIS) guided propofol anaesthesia led to delayed discharge in minor gynaecological surgeries. METHODS: Totally, 120 adult females belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II undergoing minor gynaecological surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to receive 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (Group D), 0.5 mg/kg ketamine (Group K) and normal saline (Group P) as premedication. Propofol 1% was used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia keeping BIS between 55 and 70. After the procedure, patients were assessed primarily for discharge readiness using Modified Post Anaesthesia Discharge Scoring System (MPADSS).The secondary outcomes were Modified Aldrete Score (MAS), total dose of propofol used and haemodynamics. RESULTS: The percentage of patients ready for discharge were 22.5%, 30% and 15%at 1 hour in group D, K and P, respectively (p = 0.275). Median MAS was 5, 4 and 6 respectively for group D, K and P immediately post-surgery (p = 0.000). The mean dose of propofol used was 69.75 ± 12.56 mg in group D and 135.25 ± 9.2 mg in group P (p = 0.001). There were significant haemodynamic variations in group D (16.4% fall in heart rate at 5 minutes and 24.18% fall in mean arterial pressure at 15 minutes). CONCLUSION: Premedication with dexmedetomidine and ketamine in propofol anaesthesia does not delay discharge. However, stable haemodynamics and good analgesia with ketamine make it a better option.