Comparison of Dexmedetomidine with Midazolam as an adjuvant with Propofol for insertion of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in Children.

Objective: Propofol is required in higher doses for smooth insertion of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway. The ideal adjuvant drug so as to minimise induction doses of propofol is still not known. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam are equally effective for premedication in children. We have designed this study to compare dexmedetomidine and midazolam as adjuvants with propofol for insertion characteristics of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway.

Methods: A total of 130 paediatric patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 65 each. One group was induced using propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, whereas the other group received propofol, fentanyl and dexmedetomidine. Subsequently, insertion characteristics of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway were documented in terms of number of attempts and by using modified Muzi score. Post-operative sedation was recorded by Ramsay Sedation Scale and pain was assessed by using Wong-Baker Faces pain scale.

Results: Out of 130 patients, ProSeal laryngeal mask airway was inserted in a second attempt in only 5 patients of midazolam group. Time taken for insertion was significantly higher among the midazolam group (21 seconds) than the dexmedetomidine group (19 seconds). A total of 93.8% of patients administered dexmedetomidine had excellent Muzi scores in comparison to midazolam group where only 13.8% patients had excellent Muzi scores (P < .001).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine in a dose of 1 μg kg-1 as compared to midazolam (20 μg kg-1) produces better insertion characteristics for ProSeal laryngeal mask airway when used as adjuvant with propofol in terms of jaw opening, ease of insertion, coughing, gagging, patient movement, and laryngospasm.