Attenuation of Extubation Response in Patients Undergoing Abdominal and Lower-Limb Surgeries under General Anesthesia – A Comparative Study between Dexmedetomidine and Esmolol

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation cause significant changes in the hemodynamics of patients. Manypharmacological methods have been devised to reduce the extent of hemodynamic events. This study compares the efficacyof two such agents, dexmedetomidine and esmolol, for the attenuation of response to extubation.Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 100 patients aged 18–60 years, belonging to the American Society ofAnesthesiologists Grades I and II, having no major systemic comorbidities, and undergoing abdominal or lower-limb surgeriesunder general anesthesia. They were randomly divided into two groups Group D (dexmedetomidine) and Group E (esmolol).Pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative vitals and side effects were monitored.Results: Both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic variables, physical attributes, and baseline vitalparameters. It was observed that dexmedetomidine is better at controlling heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean bloodpressures during extubation than esmolol. There was no significant respiratory depression. No significant side effects wereobserved.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is an effective and safe drug to provide stable hemodynamics and protects against the stressresponse to extubation in patients undergoing abdominal and lower-limb surgeries under general anesthesia.