Case Series on Comparison Between Dexmedetomidine and Propofol as Preanaesthetic Medication in Awake Fibreoptic Intubation

Dr Vandana Gopal

Abstract: The comparison of dexmedetomidine and propofol as pre-anesthetic agents for awake fibreoptic intubation, as detailed in this case series, offers valuable insights into optimizing sedation practices. The study evaluates six patients, evenly split between the two drugs, focusing on sedation quality, hemodynamic stability, and respiratory outcomes. It is evident that dexmedetomidine outperforms propofol, achieving faster sedation and maintaining lower pulse rates and blood pressure, which are critical for patient safety during such delicate procedures. This suggests that dexmedetomidine?s pharmacological profile may better suit the nuanced demands of awake intubation, though oxygen saturation levels remained comparable. Taking this further, the findings prompt reflection on whether dexmedetomidine?s advantages extend to broader surgical contexts, particularly where hemodynamic stability is paramount. However, the small sample size raises questions about generalizability, underscoring the need for larger studies to confirm these observations.

Keywords: dexmedetomidine, propofol, awake fibreoptic intubation, sedation, hemodynamic stability