Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine over propofol on extubation

Abstract

In major surgeries like cardiovascular and neurosurgeries, sedation qualities and recovery after extubation are the important characteristics required for an ideal sedative drug. Dexmedetomidine and propofol are two commonly used sedative agents and have distinct pharmacologic characteristics that make them appealing in this patient population. Propofol is commonly used in the ICU for short term (less than 24 hours) sedation in ventilated patients postoperatively.In this study , we compared these two drugs in a set of 200 patients , who underwent major surgeries, by retrospectively collection of the data over a period of one year. The outcome of the two drugs is measured mainly in terms of the time of extubation, and post sedation effects like delirium and the length of stay in the ICUs and hospitalis considered and compared. Results revealed that Dexmedetomidine is superior to propofol in terms of the time required for extubation and the post sedative effects and finally influencing the length of stay in the hospital.