OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on propofol dosage in target-controlled infusion (TCI) and hemodynamics in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia.

METHODSSixty patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and the Dex group (n=30). The patients in Dex group received a loading dose of Dex (1 µg/kg, infused within 10 min) before the surgery followed by continuous infusion at the rate of 0.3 µg·kg(-1)·h(-1) till the end of the surgery, and the control patients received saline infusion in the same manner. Heart rate, blood pressure, bispectral index (BIS), and propofol dose in TCI were recorded during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were observed during and after the surgery.

RESULTSNo difference was found in the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia between the control group and Dex group (P>0.05), but heart rate and blood pressure were lower in Dex group during extubation (P<0.05). The dose of propofol in TCI was significantly less in Dex group than in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONDex can reduce hemodynamic abnormalities caused by extubation and decrease the dosage of propofol in TCI, and may serve as an ideal adjuvant drug for general anesthesia.