Effects of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative sedation in elderly patients undergoing prostatectomy with subarachnoid block

Objective To observe the effect of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative sedation in elderly patients undergoing prostatectomy with subarachnoid block. Methods A total of 101 patients aged > 70 years who underwent prostatectomy under subarachnoid block anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group received mirdazole and the second group received dexmedetomidine for sedation. The sedative dose was titrated to achieve an intraoperative sedation scale (RASS) score between -3 and -1. The incidence of complications were recorded. Results During follow-up visit, the dexmedetomidine groupshowed less variation in the depth of sedation (RASS scores) compared with the midazolam group (P<0.05). The incidence of intraoperative complication was lower in the dexmedetomidine group (11% vs. 67%, P<0.01). During surgery, the midazolam group presented a higher incidence of psychomotor agitation (17% vs. 2%, P<0.05), arterial hypotension (33% vs. 4%, P<0.01) and respiratory depression (77% vs. 1%, P<0.01).During post-anesthesia care, the dexmedetomidine group presented remarkable decreases in the incidence of tremors (P<0.01), residual sedation (P<0.05), and supplemental oxygen use (P<0.01). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can provide ideal sedative effects for elderly prostatectomy patients and reduce the incidence of sedation-related complications.