Intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine reduced the postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort and pain in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of the intraoperative dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the incidence and severity of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) after non-urologic surgery. The secondary aim was to find the correlation between the levels of CRBD and postoperative pain sensation.

METHODS: Adult male patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups. After propofol administration, group D (n = 35) received DEX at a loading dose of 1 μg/kg over 10 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.3-0.5 μg/kg/h until the end of surgery. In group C (n = 35), an identical volume of 0.9% saline was infused in the same manner. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were standardized. The incidence and severity of CRBD, postoperative pain, and adverse effects were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 h after surgery.

RESULTS: The incidence of CRBD was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1 h (34.3 vs. 62.9%, P = 0.017), 3 h (25.7 vs. 60%, P = 0.004), and 6 h (17.1 vs. 54.3%. P = 0.001) postoperatively. The severity of CRBD at 1, 3, and 6 h postoperatively was less in group D than in group C. Postoperative pain score was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 3 and 6 h postoperatively. Adverse events were comparable between two groups. There was a significant correlation between the severity of CRBD and postoperative pain score.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative administration of DEX is a safe and effective practice for the prevention of CRBD after lumbar microdiscectomy and can reduce postoperative pain.