Comparative evaluation of propofol versus dexmedetomidine infusion for hypotensive anesthesia during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND: During functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), intranasal bleeding affects operative field visibility and increases the frequency of complications. Therefore, hypotensive anesthesia is a widely used technique to improve surgical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of propofol and dexmedetomidine infusion for hypotensive anesthesia in patients undergoing FESS. METHODS: This prospective randomized trial was conducted in 80 adult patients who were scheduled for FESS under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group P (n = 40) received propofol infusion of 100–200 µg/kg/min and group D (n = 40) received dexmedetomidine infusion with a loading dose of 1 µg/kg over 10 min after induction, followed by maintenance infusion of 0.4–0.8 µg/kg/h. Intraoperative blood loss, quality of the surgical field (Fromme– Boezaart scale), hemodynamic control, and patient recovery were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, chi-square test, and Mann– Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in group D throughout the surgery than in group P. Blood loss was significantly higher in group P (100.73 ± 18.12 ml) than in group D (85.70 ± 18.56 ml). The average number of patients with Fromme’s score 1/2/3 was comparable between the groups. Intraoperatively, only one incidence of bradycardia and hypotension was observed in group D (2.5%) compared to group P. CONCLUSIONS: Both dexmedetomidine and propofol are efficacious and safe drugs for facilitating controlled hypotension during FESS; however, dexmedetomidine provides better hemodynamic control and is associated with lesser blood loss without any significant adverse effects.