Study on Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Stress Response and Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on stress response and renal function in patients undergoing ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (UHLL). A total of 78 patients undergoing UHLL under general anesthesia were divided into control and dexmedetomidine groups, 39 cases in each group. Beside the routine anesthesia induction and maintenance, the dexmedetomidine group was given dexmedetomidine during the surgery, and the control group was given equal volume of normal saline. At the time before dexmedetomidine (normal saline in control group) infusion (T1), immediately after tracheal intubation (T1) and immediately after tracheal extubation (T3), the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients were recorded, the Ramsay sedation scoring was performed, and the plasma cortisol and epinephrine levels were detected. At the time immediately before surgery (t1), immediately after surgery (t2) and 24 h after surgery (t3), the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected. Results showed that, at T2 and T3, compared with control group, in dexmedetomidine group the heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased, the Ramsay sedation score was significantly increased, and the plasma cortisol and epinephrine level were significantly decreased. At each time of t2 and t3, the blood creatinine and BUN levels in dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower control group. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine can effectively stabilize the hemodynamics, reduce the stress response and protect the renal function in patients undergoing UHLL.