Cataract surgery, a common operation in the elderly, is frequently per formed under regional anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine, a sedativeanalgesic, is devoid of respiratory depressant effects. This study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine sedation with those of midazolam sedation in patients undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar anesthesia and to assess if to sedation (using dexmedetomidine or midazolam) prior to peribulbar anesthesia minimizes the pain or discomfort, when compared with placebo (saline). 60 patients were undergoing elec tive cataract surgeries under local anesthesia randomized into three equal groups to receive one of the following: dexmedetomidine Croup D, midazolam Group M and saline Group S. Sedation was titrated to a Ram say sedation score of 3. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), readiness for recovery room discharge (time to Aldrete score of 10), and patients' and surgeons' satisfaction (on a scale of 1-7) were determined. The three groups were similar in age, sex, ASA physical status and mean axial length of the globe. 10 minutes post block the MAP decreased in Group D compared to Group M and S where there was a highly signifi cant difference (P < 0.01) (between Group D and M) and a Very highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) (between Group S and D). The heart rale also decreased in Group D compared to Group M and S where there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) (between Group D and M) and a Very highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) (between Group Sand D). As regard SpO2 there was no significant dfference between the Groups throughout the operation. There were no differences in HR between treat ment groups in the recovery period: however, |
