Effect of dexmedetomidine on recovery process in patients undergoing open thoracotomy of lung cancer

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on recovery process in patients undergoing open thoracotomy of lung cancer. Methods: Thirty patients with Ⅰ to Ⅱ of ASA physical status,schedu-led for radical operations of lung cancer through thoracotomy approach,were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group( Group D,n = 15) received an infusion over 10 minutes of dexmedetodine 1 μg·kg- 1before anesthesia induction and then an infusion of 0. 5 μg·( kg·h)- 1for maintenance. Patients in the control group( Group C,n = 15) received the same rate and volume of normal saline by infusion. Anesthesia induction was performed using propofol TCI of 4 μg·ml- 1,fentanyl 3 μg·kg- 1for Group D and 5 μg·kg- 1for Group C,and rocuronium 0. 9 mg·kg- 1. Additional fentanyl was injected intermittently in Group D during the operation in a total dose of 8 to 10 μg·kg- 1and injected with a dose of 0. 1 mg as needed in Group C. Blood pressure( BP),heart rate( HR), oxygen saturation( SpO2),timing of extubation,artery blood gas,adverse effects and administration during recovery process were measured and recorded. Results: Comparing with Group C,Group D experienced less dose requirement of propofol [( 125. 84 ± 36. 08) mg vs( 88. 75 ± 22. 37) mg,P 0. 01 ],fentanyl [( 0. 52 ± 0. 04) mg vs( 0. 35 ± 0. 06) mg,P 0. 01] and rocuronium [( 105. 38 ± 15. 6) mg vs( 82. 85 ±18. 15) mg,P 0. 01]during operation,less haemodynamic fluctuation( SBP,DBP and HR) during recovery process( P 0. 01 or 0. 05),and lower incidence of pain,restlessness and anxiety( P 0. 05).Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to general anesthesia for lung cancer operations can decrease the requirement for anesthesia drugs,and keep stable haemodynamics,minimize adverse effects during recovery process.