Effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain, perioperative opioid consumption and hemodynamics in supratentorial craniotomies: Observational study

Objective: The present study aimed to observe the effects of two different doses of dexmedetomidine infusion in supratentorial craniotomies on intraoperative hemodynamics, inhaled anesthetic, and perioperative opioid consumption. The study also examines whether the method reduces adverse events such as postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting.Methods: Ninety patients aged between 18 and 70 classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class I–II who underwent supratentorial craniotomy under elective conditions and who received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.2 and 0.4 μg.kg−1h−1 ) or not were observed. Intraoperative hemodynamic data, remifentanil and sevoflurane consumption, postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting scores, and total opioid consumption were evaluated.Results: Hemodynamic data of the patients were similar. Sevoflurane consumption intraoperatively and opioid consumption both intraoperatively and postoperatively decreased significantly in the patients receiving dexmedetomidine infusion (p 0.001). The pain and nausea/vomiting scores were similar in the postoperative period.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine infusion during general anesthesia for supratentorial craniotomies reduces inhaled anesthetic and perioperative opioid consumption without causing any hemodynamic side effects.