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Abstract
Objective: To determine the effect of dexmedetomidine infusion on propofol dose, hemodynamics, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methodology: The randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, over a period of three months from 1st July 2025 to 30th September 2025, following approval of the study synopsis. Randomization of patients was performed using the lottery method with sealed opaque envelopes, allocating participants to either the dexmedetomidine group (Group A) or the normal saline group (Group B). Group A received dexmedetomidine infusion prepared by mixing 48 mL normal saline with 2 mL dexmedetomidine to achieve a concentration of 4 mcg/mL, administered at the rate of 0.5 mcg/kg/hour. Group B received 50 mL of normal saline infusion.
Results: At baseline, the mean heart rate was comparable between Group A (Dexmedetomidine) and Group B (Normal Saline) (78.2 ± 8.5 vs. 79.1 ± 7.9; p=0.72). After induction, the heart rate was lower significantly in Group A compared to Group B (72.5 ± 7.4 vs. 83.2 ± 8.2; p=0.001). Similarly, after intubation, Group A maintained a lower heart rate than Group B (76.8 ± 8.1 vs. 92.6 ± 9.0; p=0.001).
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced propofol requirements, stabilized perioperative heart rate, and lowered postoperative pain scores up to 24 hours compared with normal saline, supporting its role as a safe and effective anesthetic adjuvant in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.