RESUMO
Clonidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, and dexmedetomidine, a new generation highly selective alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist, are well known to inhibit catecholamine release. The present study compares the effects of intravenously administered clonidine versus dexmedetomidine to attenuate hemodynamic responses to pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. 60 patients of ASA physical status I and II, aged between 18 to 50 years, of either sex. scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into 3 groups [Group C, D and K] in a double-blind fashion, to receive either clonidine 1 microg/kg in normal saline, dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg in normal saline or normal saline IV respectively. Total volume of the study drug was adjusted to 50 ml and administered over a period of 15 minutes before induction. Following pneumoperitoneum, significant rise in heart rate and arterial pressure was observed in group K. Patients in group D showed best control of arterial pressure. No significant episodes of hypotension were found in any group. Administration of clonidine or dexmedetomidine attenuates hemodynamic response to pneumoperitoneum, dexmedetomidine being more effective in this regard