Comparison of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, and lidocaine in attenuation of hemodynamic responses during intubation in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Urooj Sana , Javaid Hanya , Andleeb Sonia , Mughal Anum , Naz Arshi , Shah Sayed Junaid , Jabeen Rafat , Siddiqui Safia Zafar 
Published: July 2024

Background & objective: The anesthesiologists have been trying various strategies to lessen the adverse effects of endotracheal intubation on hemodynamic parameters. The aim of this study was to explore a better and safer drug to attenuate the pressor response to laryngoscopy and intubation by comparing dexmedetomidine (Precedex; Brookes Pharma), fentanyl (Fentra; Brookes Pharma), and lidocaine (Xylocaine; Barret Hodgson).
Methodology: In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, a total of 90 patients of ASA physical status I and II, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were included. Sample size was calculated using OPEN EPI sample size calculator. Patients were randomized into three groups by sealed envelope method. Patients in Group D received intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.6 µg/kg, Group F received intravenous fentanyl 2 µg/kg and Group L received intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg over 10 min before induction. Hemodynamic variables were recorded at baseline, at laryngoscopy, 1, 3, 5 and 10 min after intubation. Perioperative complications and postoperative sedation and recovery were also noted at 0 and 10 min in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
Results: As compared to dexmedetomidine, there was no significant impact of lidocaine (P = 0.774) and fentanyl (P = 0.992) in managing the heart rate (HR) of patients, while time had a significant impact on the HR. There was no substantial effect of fentanyl (P = 0.123) or lidocaine (P = 0.616) in managing SBP and no effect of fentanyl (P = 0.580) or lidocaine (P = 0.752) in managing DBP, in contrast to dexmedetomidine. Although statistically significant reduction in HR, SBP and DBP was observed in Group D, soon after study drug infusion, but overall long-term stability was noticed. Ramsey sedation scores were significantly higher in the Group D at arrival in PACU, but after 10 min all three study groups showed almost similar results. Aldrete score was statistically significant in the fentanyl group compared to Group D and L in PACU, both at arrival and after 10 min (P = 0.001 and 0.010 respectively).
Conclusion: We conclude that intravenous dexmedetomidine demonstrated better attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy by controlling rise in heart rate and by providing long-term stability in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Fentanyl and lidocaine showed inconsistencies in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time. Fentanyl showed better hemodynamic profile compared to lidocaine. Patients included in fentanyl group exhibited early recovery than dexmedetomidine and lidocaine.
Abbreviations: ASS - Aldrete sedation score; HR - heart rate; PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Unit; PONV - postoperative nausea and vomiting; RSS - Ramsay sedation scale;
Keywords: Attenuation, Dexmedetomidine, Fentanyl, Hemodynamic Response, Intubation Response, Laryngoscopy Response, Lidocaine, Pressor Response.
Citation: Urooj S, Javaid H, Andleeb S, Mughal A, Naz A, Shah SJ, Jabeen R, Siddiqui SZ. Comparison of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, and lidocaine in attenuation of hemodynamic responses during intubation in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(3):524−533; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i3.1737
Received: April 15, 2023; Revised: April 29, 2023; Accepted: May 03, 2024