Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Control of Hemodynamics, Surgical Bleeding, and Recovery Profile during Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Background Microscopic transsphenoidal excision of pituitary gland, though considered safe from neurosurgical point of view, produces marked cardiovascular and stress responses despite adequate depth of anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine bolus and infusion in microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery on hemodynamics, bleeding in surgical field, and recovery parameters. Materials and Methods A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted in 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients between 18 and 65 years, who underwent elective transsphenoidal excision of pituitary tumor. Two groups were constituted: one group received dexmedetomidine 1 mu g/kg loading dose followed by 0.5 mu g/kg/h infusion, the other received placebo bolus and infusion. A standard -anesthesia protocol including isoflurane and fentanyl was used in both groups. The hemodynamic profile, intraoperative bleeding, and recovery profile were studied. Results The heart rate (HR) did not vary significantly from the baseline during surgery and recovery in the dexmedetomidine group. The systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures decreased significantly with dexmedetomidine in statistical terms, though they were within the clinically acceptable range and did not require intervention. On comparing the groups, dexmedetomidine group had better perioperative blood pressure profile and decreased isoflurane requirement. Bleeding scores during surgery and recovery were similar in both groups. Conclusions Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery provided stable perioperative hemodynamics comprising reduced cardiovascular response to intubation and surgical noxious stimuli along with a similar recovery compared with the control group. Therefore, dexmedetomidine appears as a useful adjunct to control hemodynamics in neurosurgical patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery.