Dexmedetomidine for awake craniotomy without laryngeal mask

Abstract

Objective: This paper reports the use of dexmedetomidine in three epileptic patients with cavernous angiomas that underwent awake surgery in order to map their speech areas. Method: Loading dose of dexmedetomidine varied from 1 μg/Kg/h to 3 μg/Kg/h over 20 minutes and maintenance dose from 0.4 μg/Kg/h to 0.8 μg/Kg/h. Results: There was no occurrence of hemodynamic instability, convulsions or respiratory depression. Patients tolerated well the procedure. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine was useful for awake craniotomy as it decreased patients' level of consciousness but did not produce agitation. Laryngeal mask was not necessary to keep air ventilation.