Comparison of dexmedetomidine with ETT/Ambu-LMA exchange for smooth emergence in tympanoplasty surgery: a randomized prospective study

Exchange of the endotracheal tube (ETT) with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) before emergence from anaesthesia and use of dexmedetomidine due to its anxiolytic, analgesic qualities and less respiratory depressant effects, reduced the complications during extubation with better surgical outcome especially in otolaryngology surgeries. Aim of this randomized-prospective study is to compare the effectiveness of ETT/ambu laryngeal mask ALMA) exchange and dexmedetomidine for smooth extubation in patients undergoing elective tympanoplasty

60 patients undergoing elective tympanoplasty under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups-30 patients in each group.

ALMA (ambu laryngeal mask airway) used for ETT/LM exchange

Dexmedetomidine 1.0 mcg/kg given 10 minutes before the end of surgery.

In group I patients 28 pateints and 27 patients in group II had smooth extubation. All cases in Group I and Group II maintained a regular respiratory pattern during the study without desaturation and maintaining adequate tidal volume. There was insignificant difference in hemodyamic parameter between the groups.

ETT/ALMA exchange and dexmedetomidine 1.0 μg/kg along with sevoflurane produced smooth emergence in patients undergoing elective tympanoplasty surgery.