"Comparison of effectiveness of two different doses of nebulized dexmedetomidine with lignocaine for awake fibreoptic intubation in patients under general anaesthesia: A randomized double-blinded controlled study"

Among the various methods to facilitate AFOI, topical anaesthesia with LA (lignocaine) nebulisation is a commonly used technique. However, topical anaesthesia with lignocaine alone may be inadequate in some patients.

Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha- 2 adrenergic agonist, that provides both analgesia and sedation without causing respiratory depression.    Only two studies have been done where this combination (dexmedetomidine in a dose of 0.6 µg/kg  and 1 µg/kg)   has been   used for flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy Till date.We hypothesised that combination of nebulised dexmedetomidine-lidocaine could reduce the incidence of moderate to severe coughing during AFOI

With more intubation comfort, better post-intubation tolerance and patient satisfaction along with adequate sedation and stable haemodynamics.The present study has been planned with an aim of comparing the effectiveness of two different doses of nebulised dexmedetomidine with lignocaine for AFOI in patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia.