The effect of use of dexmeditomidine hydrochloride as an adjuvant in general anesthesia on rate of awareness

Abstract

Background: Dexmedetomidine can be used as a safe and helpful adjunct in many clinical situations. Objective: To evaluate the role of Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in general anesthesia in relation to rate of awareness. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective quasi experimental study conducted at Al-Sadder medical city during May to November 2016, included 400 patients, assigned randomly into two groups to receive the traditional anesthesia regimen (group I) or traditional anesthesia regimen and Dexmedetomidine (group II). Awareness was assessed via postoperative interview. Appropriate statistical tests were applied accordingly. Results: The rates of awareness and possible awareness in group II were (0.5%) and (1.0%), respectively, and were significantly lower than that of group I (3.5%) and 4.5%), respectively, (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can improve the outcome of general anesthesia by significant reduction of rate of awareness during operation.