RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on stress responses during extubation in patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-six scheduled for UPPP under general anesthesia were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine group (group D, n = 50) and control group (group C, n = 36). All patients were transported into post anesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery and maintained sedation and analgesia by infusing propofol and sufentanil. Patients in group D were administrated dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg, group C were administrated equivalent volume of normal saline. Both groups were treated with mechanical ventilation 6 - 24 h before extubation. Recovery time, the dosage of sedative and analgesic drugs and side effects were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant differences between two groups in recovery time (P > 0.05). The dosage of propofol and sufentanil in group D were respectively (785 ± 65) mg, (176 ± 10) µg, significantly less than that in group C (950 ± 101) mg, (209 ± 14) µg (P < 0.05). side effects in group D were significantly less than that in group C (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride could efficiently restrain the stress response around tracheal extubation, reduce postoperative complications in patients undergoing UPPP.</p>