POSTOPERATIVE EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON ELECTIVE 1-3 LEVEL SURGERIES AT A LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has been shown to have a promising role in decreasing opioid consumption, normalized hemodynamics, and minimizing respiratory depression in spine surgeries. However, its postoperative outcomes are not well studied. Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to assess the effects of intraoperative DEX on hemodynamic stability, pain control, and respiratory outcomes in patients undergoing elective lumbosacral spine surgeries. Methods: Using a retrospective, descriptive correlational design the data from 50 patients aged 35-75 undergoing 1-3 level lumbosacral spine surgeries at a Level 1 trauma center was analyzed. Postoperative outcomes between patients who received DEX and those who did not were compared. Results: No significant differences were found between the DEX and non-DEX groups in terms of hemodynamic stability, pain scores, or respiratory events. However, DEX was associated with a safe postoperative profile, with no increase in adverse effects like hypotension or bradycardia. Conclusion: DEX did not significantly improve outcomes, but it showed evidence of having a safe profile, making it a viable option in multimodal anesthesia. Further research is needed to explore its impact on opioid use and broader surgical outcomes.