Efficacy of a single dose of dexmedetomidine for cough suppression during anesthetic emergence: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Maintenance of a remifentanil infusion during anesthetic emergence has been reported to decrease the incidence of coughing and thereby help to ensure a smooth emergence. It may, however, cause respiratory depression and possibly delay emergence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single dose of dexmedetomidine combined with a low-dose remifentanil infusion on cough suppression during emergence from general anesthesia.