RESUMO
here has been a paradigm shift of focus toward quality of spinal anaesthesia with sedation being an integral aspect of this regional anaesthesia technique. Thus, this study was designed to compare efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine and propofol for moderate sedation during spinal anaesthesia.Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients of age group 18-50 years of American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade I & II, posted for surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were randomly divided in to two groups (n = 30 each); Group D received infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 min followed by maintenance infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/h. Group P received infusion of propofol 5 mg/kg/h for 10 min followed by the infusionmaintenance of 1.5 mg/kg/h. Level of sedation (using observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation score), onset and recovery from sedation, hemodynamic changes, and overall patient’s satisfaction were assessed.Results: The onset and recovery from sedation were significantly earlier with propofol (15.57 ± 1.89 min vs. 27.06 ± 2.26 min; P < 0.001) however intra-operative sedation, and overall patient’s satisfaction was significantly better with dexmedetomidinegroup (p < 0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged with dexmedetomidine (225.53 ± 5.61 min vs.139.60 ± 3.03 min; P = 0.0013). Mean heart rate and blood pressure were significantly lower in the propofol group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine with its stable cardio-respiratory profile, better sedation, overall patient’s satisfaction, and post-Operative analgesia could be a valuable adjunct for intra-operative sedation during spinal anaesthesia.