Dexmedetomidine Versus Fentanyl on Time to Extubation in Patients with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective method for managing obesity. While opioids are used for their hemodynamic stability and their ability to reduce intraoperative stress, they also have reported side effects. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, is noted for its analgesic and anesthetic-sparing effects, leading to a higher quality of recovery. Objectives: The study aims to compare the effects of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the recovery of morbidly obese patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods: This randomized, double-blind study involved 64 patients, equally divided into two groups. The Dexmedetomidine group (Group D) received an intravenous (IV) loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) over 15 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by a 10 ml saline 0.9% infusion over 60 seconds during induction. Post-intubation, dexmedetomidine was administered at 0.5 μg/kg/h. The Fentanyl group (Group F) received a volume-matched saline 0.9% IV over 15 minutes pre-induction and fentanyl (1 μg/kg) diluted in 10 ml saline 0.9% IV over 60 seconds during induction. After intubation, a continuous fentanyl infusion was maintained at a rate of 1 μg/kg/hr. Results: Extubation time was significantly shorter in the Dexmedetomidine group (Group D) at 8.25 ± 2.7 minutes compared to the Fentanyl group (Group F) at 10.47 ± 2.17 minutes, with a P value of 0.001. Intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were also significantly lower in Group D than in Group F. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower in Group D compared to Group F upon arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit and at 2 hours postoperatively (P-value < 0.05). Additionally, the morphine dose consumed in the first 12 hours after surgery was significantly lower in Group D (5.75 ± 2.20 mg) compared to Group F (8 ± 2.38 mg), with a P-value of 0.001. Conclusions: For morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, dexmedetomidine (DEX) proves to be an effective anesthetic choice. It not only reduces extubation time but also lowers early postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and opioid consumption within the first 12 hours following surgery.