The comparison between propofol and dexmedetomidine infusion on perioperative anxiety during regional anesthesia

Abstract

Background/aim: Regional anesthesia for surgery is associated with increased anxiety for patients. This study aimed to compare theeffect of propofol and dexmedetomidine infusion on perioperative anxiety during regional anesthesia.Materials and methods: Eighty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving either study drug infusion. Anxietyscore, level of sedation using the Bispectral Index and Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation, hemodynamic stability, andoverall patient’s feedback on anxiolysis were assessed.Results: Both groups showed a significant drop in mean anxiety score at 10 and 30 min after starting surgery. Difference in mediananxiety scores showed a significant reduction in anxiety score at the end of the surgery in the dexmedetomidine group compared to thepropofol group. Dexmedetomidine and propofol showed a significant drop in mean arterial pressure in the first 30 min and first 10 minrespectively. Both drugs demonstrated a significant drop in heart rate in the first 20 min from baseline after starting the drug infusion.Patients in the dexmedetomidine group (76.20%) expressed statistically excellent feedback on anxiolysis compared to patients in thepropofol group (45.20%).Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine infusion was found to significantly reduce anxiety levels at the end of surgery compared to propofolduring regional anesthesia.