Comparing the Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine and Propofol during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Considering that no study on the efficacy of dexmedetomidine during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been performed in Iran so far, we decided to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of dexmedetomidine and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing ERCP.

A double-blind clinical trial was performed (2020) among 80 patients undergoing ERCP grade ASA I, and II who had no asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and no history of allergies to propofol and dexmedetomidine. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (fentanyl and propofol) and (fentanyl and dexmedetomidine). Their heart rate per minute, mean arterial pressure, respiration rate per minute, and blood oxygen saturation at intervals of 5 and 15 minutes after the start and end of the procedure, the level of patient cooperation, and endoscopies satisfaction were compared.

Mean age of the propofol group was 63/13 ± 17/88 and the dexmedetomidine group was 16/99 ± 58/55 (P = 0.191). Mean heart rate and respiration rate per minute were not different significantly in any of the time intervals. Mean arterial pressure in the propofol group before, 5, and 15 minutes after the start and end of ERCP were higher than dexmedetomidine group (105/95 ± 15/91, 123/75 ± 25/54, 118/10 ± 13/06 and 14/61 ± 117/50, respectively). The percentage of oxygen saturation at 5 minutes and at the end of the procedure was higher in the propofol group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively)

Due to fewer side effects and more satisfaction of patients receiving propofol; this drug is preferred for these patients.