The effects of subtenon and intravenous dexmedetomidine on patients undergoing cataract surgery: A comparative randomized controlled double-blind study.

Background and aims: This prospective randomized study designed to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine either added to LA mixture or administered IV during subtenon block for cataract surgery.

Material and methods: 75 patients, undergoing cataract surgery with subtenon anesthesia, were assigned randomly into three equal groups, Group I received subtenon bupivacaine 0.5% (1 ml) + lidocaine 2% (1 ml) + saline 0.9% (0.5 ml) and IV infusion of normal saline. Group II received subtenon bupivacaine 0.5% (1 ml) + lidocaine 2% (1 ml) + 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (0.5 ml) and IV infusion of normal saline. Group III received subtenon bupivacaine 0.5% (1 ml) + lidocaine 2% (1 ml) + saline 0.9% (0.5 μl) and IV infusion of 0.5 mg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 min. before subtenon block. We recorded onset and duration of sensory and motor block, pain during subtenon injection, intraoperative hemodynamics, intraocular pressure, sedation and postoperative pain score.

Results: There was a significant decrease in the onset of action and an increase in the duration of sensory block in Group II. Pain during subtenon injection was significantly less in group III. Sedation Score was higher in Group III, while heart rate showed a significant reduction in the same group. The VAS was significantly decreased in group II. After the end of surgery, the intraocular pressure was significantly decreased in Groups II and III.

Conclusion: Subtenon dexmedetomidine shortens onset time, prolongs sensory block durations and significantly decreases the postoperative pain score with hemodynamic stability, while, IV dexmedetomidine substantially reduces pain during subtenon block and produces intra-operative sedation.