A prospective randomized double blind study to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on intubating conditions during awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided intubation

Introduction: Various drugs have been used for sedation to provide adequate intubating conditions during awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) but these drugs may cause excessive sedation followed by respiratory depression which is undesirable in these patients.So this study was planned with aim to compare dexmedetomidine with fentanyl for conscious sedation during AFOI in adult patients posted for various elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult patients were randomly allocated into two groups with 30 patients each. After pre operative evaluation and informed consent, patients were given pre anaesthetic medication followed by airway nerve blocks. Group A (n=30); Dexmedetomidine Group received intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 1.5 ?g/kg diluted in 100 ml normal saline (NS) over 10 min and Group B (n=30); Fentanyl Group received IV fentanyl 2 ?g/kg diluted in 100 ml NS over 10 min. After achieving adequate sedation (RSS ? 2), awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy and intubation was done. Intubating conditions, oxygen desaturation caused, tolerance to intubation and haemodynamic changes along with adverse effects were observed and noted in both groups. Results: Cough score and intubation comfort scores were significantly better in Group A when compared to Group B. (P <0>0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (1.5 µg/kg) is preferable over fentanyl (2 µg/kg) for conscious sedation during AFOI as it provides more favourable intubating conditions with minimal haemodynamic changes and adverse effects.