Dexmedetomidine premedication and quality of extubation

Postextubation cough is troublesome and impedes the smoothness  of extubation. Dexmedetomidine has significant sympatholytic property and can attenuate the stress response. The study will be conducted on 60 consenting ASA 1 nand 2 patients, aged 20-60-yrs and weighing 40-70kg undergoing elective throidectomy. Those with sinus brady cardia, heart blocks, coronary artery disease, those taking beta blockers and calcium channel blockers will be excluded.The aim of our study is to study the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine on the quality of extubation and level of consciousness, when given as a single bolus infusion, along with premedication, just before induction of general anaesthesia. The study group will receive dexmedetomidine 0.75 microgram/ kg, in 200ml normal saline 20 minutes before induction and control group will receive 200ml of normal saline (placebo) over 20 minutes. The quality of extubation at the end of surgery will be asessed using 5 point extubation score and the level of consciousness using modified Wilson sedation score. The haemodynamic parameters are also noted. Any complications like delayed recovery, undue sedation, airway obstruction, bradycardia, hypo/ hypertension will be noterd and managed apporopriately.