Dexmedetomidine Sedation in an Old Patient for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

A revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) that anticipated massive bleeding and the need for blood transfusion was scheduled. The patient was a 73-year-old man who had well controlled hypertension. A combined spinal and epidural anesthesia was performed. Dexmedetomidine was administered from the beginning of the arterial and central line catheterization, until the end of the operation. During the 10 hours and 30 minutes surgery, the estimated blood loss was about 7,000 mL, with a total infused red blood cell amount of 14 units, total fresh frozen plasma of 6 units, a total crystalloid of 6,850 mL and of colloid 1,500 mL. The Ramsay sedation score was maintained within 3 and the hemodynamic condition was stable. We found that dexmedetomidine can be safely used for sedation, even during an operation requiring massive transfusions and a prolonged operation time.