Comparison Of The Effects Of Propofol and Dexmedetomidine Sedation On Axillary Block

AIM: We aimed to compare the effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine on intra-operative sedation, hemodynamic parameters and post-operative analgesia during fore-arm surgery with axillary block.METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective hand and forearm surgery with axillary brachial plexus block (ASA I-II) were randomized into two groups.Group D patients received a loading and continuous infusion dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 μg kg-1 in ten minutes before the axillary block and 0.2-0.7 μg kg-1 h-1, respectively.Group P patients received a loading and continuous infusion dose of intravenous propofol 1 mg kg-1 in ten minutes before the axillary block and 50-100 μg kg-1 min-1, respectively.Upon reaching a target sedation score of 3-4 (assessed with Ramsey sedation scale), axillary block was performed.At the end of surgery, intravenous infusions were stopped.Groups were compared in terms of sedation scores, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, sensory and motor block levels (with Pin-prick test and Bromage scores), time to regression of sensory and motor blocks, time to first analgesic requirement, and adverse events.RESULTS: Demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, sedation scores, sensory and motor block levels, and adverse events did not significantly differ between groups.Dexmedetomidine significantly delayed regression of sensory block and first analgesic requirement compared with propofol (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine as a sedative agent is as effective and safe as propofol.If surgery is expected to last longer, dexmedetomidine may be better suited because it prolongs sensory block regression time and time to first analgesic requirement.