Author:
Xiao Mark T.,Juang Jeremy,Kim Leo A.,Macias Alvaro A.
Abstract
Background and Objective:
Dexmedetomidine (Precedex
®
) has been linked to depressive hemodynamic effects and increased length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) when used in ambulatory phacoemulsification procedures. We aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of dexmedetomidine use during ambulatory vitreoretinal procedures.
Patients and Methods:
This retrospective cohort study involved 9,666 adult vitrectomies. Cases were divided into groups by anesthesia type: general anesthesia (GA) and monitored anesthesia care (MAC). For each group, various factors were compared between those who did and did not receive dexmedetomidine. Chi-squared and
t
tests were used for comparisons.
Results:
Changes in mean arterial pressure in the MAC group were −1.69 ± 0.23 mmHg for no dexmedetomidine patients and −6.31 ± 0.39 mmHg for dexmedetomidine patients (
P
< 0.01). In the GA group, mean arterial pressure was −6.1 ± 0.35 mmHg for no dexmedetomidine patients and −11.18 ± 0.88 mmHg for dexmedetomidine patients (
P
< 0.01). PACU Phase II time in the MAC group was 36.93 ± 0.37 minutes and 40.67 ± 0.86 minutes for no dexmedetomidine and dexmedetomidine patients, respectively (
P
< 0.01). In the GA group, PACU Phase II time was 58.63 ± 0.95 minutes and 65.19 ± 2.38 minutes for no dexmedetomidine and dexmedetomidine patients, respectively (
P
< 0.01).
Conclusions:
Dexmedetomidine use in vitrectomies was associated with significant PACU delays. These delays may stem from adverse hemodynamic effects.
[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2024;55:86–91.]