Comparison of Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine Infusion to Produce Hypotensive Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and clonidine (CLON) infusion to produce hypotensive anesthesia in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigators designed a randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (DEX and CLON group). The DEX group patients received loading dose of 1 ug/kg DEX over 10 minutes followed by 0.2 to 0.5 ug/kg/hour as maintenance dose. Similarly, CLON group patients received 3 ug/kg loading dose followed by maintenance dose of 0.3 to 2 ug/kg/hour. Primary objectives were to compare the quality of surgical field, duration of surgery, amount of blood loss and secondary objectives were to compare total and rescue analgesia used, need for blood transfusion and associated adverse effects. The P value of <.05 was taken significant at confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The study sample included 30 patients (15 in each group), (m:f = 1:1.1) requiring orthognathic surgery. Single jaw cases were 11 (DEX:CLON = 4:7) and bijaw cases were 19 (DEX:CLON = 11:8) in number. There was statistically insignificant difference in quality of surgical field between 2 groups (P = .15). Duration of surgery was 293.33 ± 58.75 and 247 ± 70.45 minutes in the DEX and the CLON group, respectively (P = .06). Blood loss was more in the DEX group (316.61 ± 147.19 mL) than the CLON group (263.33 ± 112.54 mL), (P = .71). Total drug used (P = .33) and rescue analgesia (P = .25) was less in the DEX group. Adverse effects were more in the CLON than the DEX group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed no significant difference between the 2 groups for any parameter. It can be concluded that both dexmedetomidine and clonidine are effective and safe in achieving controlled hypotension and safe operative field visibility.

Perioperative anaesthetic concerns in transgender patients: Indian perspective.

Medical care of transgender patients is not only legally bound but also ethically required. Globally, 0.5%-0.9% of the adult population exhibits a gender different from their birth sex, but there is a dearth of transgender-friendly hospitals stemming from ignorance to disdain for this marginalised community. With gradually increasing acceptance of the transgender patients in the society, healthcare professionals must gear up to deal with issues specific and unique to this group of population. These concerns remain important to understand for an optimal perioperative care. The medical concerns transcend international boundaries, whereas legal, social, economic and psychological concerns vary from place to place. There is a need for modification of curriculum and training for healthcare personnel to foster sensitivity and empathy in patient dealing, to allow for an unbiased optimal healthcare. Such patients require a thorough assessment in a comfortable environment considering their specific needs. A plan for perioperative care needs to be done and discussed with the patient and the perioperative care team as well. There is scarce literature with regard to perioperative care in the transgender patients and hence requires more research.