Effect of Dexmedetomidine in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: One-lung ventilation is used to improve surgical visualization and facilitate thoracoscopic manipulations; however, it induces ventilation/perfusion mismatch, exacerbating the inflammatory response that causes hypoxemia in the perioperative period. Opioid analgesics are the main analgesic drugs used during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), but their use is associated with adverse effects and higher risk of respiratory complications. Corrective measures to eliminate hypoxemia, reduce the inflammatory response, control pain, and minimize opioid-induced adverse effects are crucial in thoracic surgery.

Objective: To study the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing lung damage and postoperative complications after VATS.

Materials and methods: We examined 100 patients who underwent lobectomy via a thoracoscopic approach. The patients were grouped based on anesthetic management: group 1 (n = 50) with intraoperative dexmedetomidine and group 2 (n = 50) without it. We determined the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF and calculated PaO₂/FiO₂ and A-aDO₂. We also assessed the postoperative pain intensity, need for trimeperidin promedol and tramadol, and incidence of postoperative complications.

Results: During one-lung ventilation, patients from group 1 had higher PaO₂/FiO₂ values (P = .025). The A-aDO₂ value was higher in group 2 (P = .006). After surgery, we found differences in the content of TNF and IL-8 (P < .001). Twenty-four hours after surgery, we recorded a more significant prevalence of the studied cytokines in group 2 (P < .001). There were no significant differences in the pain dynamics on the first postoperative day (P > .05). Opioid analgesics were less needed in group 1 than in group 2 (P < .001). The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly.

Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine in thoracic surgery improves the oxygenation and reduces the percentage of intrapulmonary shunting by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the postoperative period, dexmedetomidine reduces the need for opioid analgesics, but does not affect the pain level or incidence of complications.

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