Background: Intra-operative bleeding diminishes visualisation during functional endoscopic sinus surgery and can cause unfavourable outcomes. Dexmedetomidine is a potent alpha-2 agonist, with sympatholytic effects. This systematic review aimed to assess whether dexmedetomidine decreases intra-operative bleeding and improves operative field quality.
Methods: All randomised, controlled trials that assessed the ability of dexmedetomidine to provide good operative fields for functional endoscopic sinus surgery were identified from Medline and Embase. The outcomes of interest were: operative field quality, intra-operative bleeding, operative time and adverse events.
Results: Five studies (254 patients) met the inclusion criteria. When compared to saline, dexmedetomidine improved the quality of the operative field. The operative time was similar between groups. When compared to other drugs, dexmedetomidine was as effective as esmolol and remifentanil. There were no adverse incidents.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is beneficial in providing good visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Controlled hypotensive anaesthesia with this medicine decreases intra-operative bleeding and enhances surgical field quality.
Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; Paranasal Sinuses; Sinus Surgery.