Dexmedetomidine as a total intravenous anesthetic in pediatric patients undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery: a case series

Abstract

Abstract Background Surgery for pediatric cleft lip and palate repair often utilizes high-dose opioids and inhaled anesthesia, thereby causing postoperative complications such as desaturation and/or severe agitation after anesthesia. These complications are detrimental to the child and medical personnel and cause tremendous psychologic stress to parents. Our aim is to decrease these complications through dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 receptor agonist with anxiolytic, sympatholytic, and analgetic properties. Devoid of respiratory depressant effect, it allows patients to maintain effective ventilation and reduce agitation, postoperatively. Its unique anesthetic property may shed light on providing safe anesthesia and gentle emergence to this young, vulnerable population. Case presentation A total of 21 patients of Sundanese ethnicity, aged 3 months to 8 years (9 males and 12 females), underwent cleft lip or cleft palate surgery using total intravenous dexmedetomidine. Anesthesia was induced using sevoflurane, fentanyl, and propofol, and airway was secured. Intravenous dexmedetomidine 1.5 μg/kg was administered within 10 minutes, and a maintenance dose of 1.5 μg/kg/hour was continued as the sole anesthetic maintenance agent thereafter. Hemodynamics and anesthetic depth using Patient State Index (SEDLine™ monitor, Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA) were monitored carefully throughout the surgical procedure. Dexmedetomidine did not cause any hemodynamic derangements or postoperative complications in any of our patients. We found agitation in 9.5% (2/21) of patients. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can be used as a total intravenous anesthetic agent to maintain anesthesia and provide gentle emergence to infants and young children undergoing cleft lip and palate repair.