OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility and safety of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil for lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

METHODS50 patients undergoing lower eyelid blepharoplasty ASA I - II were randomly divided into 2 groups (25 in each group) as observation group and control group. Dexmedetomidine (0.3 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and remifentanil (0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were used in observation group. Local anesthesia by lidocaine (1%) combined with midazolam (0.04 mg/kg) intravenous sedation were used in control group. HR, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), breathing rate (RR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) change were monitored and recorded before and after the administration of the drug, as well as at the beginning of operation, during the operation, at the end of the operation, and 5 minutes after the operation. Patients sedation degree was evaluated by Ramsay. Operation time, recovery time, the incidence of adverse reactions, the satisfaction of patients and doctors were also recorded.

RESULTSPatients had no obvious difference of intraoperative MAP, RR, SpO2, operation time and postoperative recovery time between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with control group, HR during the operation were decreased significantly [(64.2 +/- 8.2) bpm, P < 0.05] in observation group. In control group, there were 18 cases of patients with agitation, but they endured the operation anyway. In observation group, 24 cases of patients underwent operation without agitation. The satisfaction of patients and the operation doctors (96%) in observation group were markedly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil is practical and safe. The effect of reducing HR should be noticed.