Abstract

Introduction We decided to compare dexmedetomidine with propofol regarding several anesthetic and surgical aspects, during stapedotomy done under conscious sedation. Materials and Method Thirty patients aged 20-50 years with (American Society of Anesthesiology) ASA class I-II, were assigned to two groups of propofol and dexmedetomidine using a random number table. In dexmedetomidine group, patients received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 mu g/kg/h) and in the control group, propofol was administered (3 mg/kg/h).Time to reach the desired Ramsey Sedation Score (RSS) and time to reach Aldrete score >= 9; incidence of inadvertent movement and amnesia; as well as patients' and surgeons' level of satisfaction and degree of bleeding was recorded. Data on hemodynamic variables were monitored and recorded at several intervals. Results The mean time taken to reach the RSS (2-4) was 10.3 +/- 2.1 min in dexmedetomidine group and 3.1 +/- 1.2 min in propofol group. Time to reach Aldrete score >= 9 for patients sedated with dexmedetomidine was 8.6 +/- 2.1 min and for propofol group was 4.6 +/- 1.4 min (p value < 0.05).There were also significant differences between two groups in terms of surgeon's satisfaction with sedation, and the amount of intra operative bleeding. Conclusion According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that dexmedetomidine is a better choice for conscious sedation than propofol. However, the time to reach the required sedation in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly longer.