Lidocaine versus dexmedetomidine infusion in diagnostic laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a comparative study

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative lidocaine versus dexmedetomidine infusion on hemodynamic stability during pneumoperitoneum, as well as the recovery profile of diagnostic laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries. Patients and methods A total of 60 female patients of American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I were included in the study and divided into two groups: group L and group D. Group L received lidocaine hydrochloride 2%, and group D received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. The hemodynamic changes during pneumoperitoneum as well as the recovery profile (postoperative sedation, pain scores, and analgesic requirements) were recorded. Results During pneumoperitoneum, group D patients showed a statistically significant decrease in mean heart rate compared with group L patients. However, the mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure in group L patients showed statistically and clinically nonsignificant changes compared with those of group D patients. As regards the recovery profile, group D patients recorded a significantly higher median sedation score compared with group L patients, and the postoperative pain scores were significantly better in group L than in group D patients after 30 min, 1 h from arrival at the postanesthesia care unit, and at 2 h in the ward. However, this resulted in a statistically nonsignificant number of patients requiring pethidine in the postanesthesia care unit, as well as statistically nonsignificant total pethidine requirements of less than 50 mg. Conclusion Lidocaine offers hemodynamic stability during pneumoperitoneum, as well as a decrease in the intensity of postoperative pain with opioid sparing, offering a less sedated patient than dexmedetomidine during day-case diagnostic laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.