Sedation using dexmedetomidine and remifentanil with local anesthesia for intraoperative speech monitoring: a case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Some surgical procedures such as laryngoplasty require patients to remain conscious during the intraoperative phase in order to enable speech monitoring. Dexmedetomidine and remifentanil were used in this study, since they promote appropriate patient collaboration with facilitated awakening, and are rapidly eliminated. CASE REPORT: The patient complained of dysphonia, which had resulted from unilateral vocal fold paralysis after previous thyroidectomy. The surgical treatment was performed under local anesthesia in association with sedation using dexmedetomidine and remifentanil. The patient was stable and cooperative during the entire intraoperative period, without desaturation and with rapid postoperative awakening. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine and remifentanil can be used for safe sedation; however, the presence of an anesthesiologist is required during the entire intraoperative period.