Effects of Dexmedetomidine on the Duration of Anaesthesia and Wakefulness in Bupivacaine Epidural Block

Abstract

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine on the duration of bupivacaine-induced epidural anaesthesia and level of wakefulness and the respective side-effects. Methods: Sixty ASA I-II patients were included in the study. Consecutive patients were allocated to groups according to the last digit (odd/even) of their admission numbers. All patients had epidural anaesthesia with bupivacaine 0.5% performed by the same experienced anaesthesiologist. In the first group, the patients were administered intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion just after the epidural block and continued during the operation, while those in the second group were administered physiologic saline infusion at the same amount and duration. Results: The recovery time of sensory block was significantly longer in the first group. The bispectral index values were lower in the first group than in the second. Also, heart rate was significantly lower in Group I than in Group II. Regarding side-effects, shivering was significantly less frequent in the first group, whereas there was a significant increase in the requirement of atropine in the first group as dexmedetomidine caused bradycardia. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine prolonged the duration of epidural anaesthesia, provided sedation and had few side-effects.