Comparison of Opioid-Based Versus Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Glioma Surgery

Background In the neurosurgical population, opioids may cause respiratory depression, leading to hypercapnia, increased cerebral blood flow (CBF), and ultimately increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can mask early signs of intracranial complications and delayed emergence. This study was designed to compare perioperative hemodynamic stability, analgesia, and recovery parameters in opioid-based (fentanyl) general anesthesia versus opioid-sparing (dexmedetomidine) general anesthesia in patients undergoing glioma surgeries. Methodology This prospective observational comparative study compared 52 patients in two groups. Twenty-six (50%) patients in group F received Inj. fentanyl IV (intravenous; bolus 2 mcg/kg 10 minutes before induction and then infusion 1 mcg/kg/hour till 30 minutes before skin closure), whereas 26 (50%) patients in group D received Inj. dexmedetomidine IV (0.5 mcg/kg infusion 10 minutes before induction and then maintenance with a 0.5 mcg/kg/hour infusion till 30 minutes before skin closure). Perioperative heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), Numerical Rating Scale for Pain (NRS) assessment and postoperative emergence time, modified Aldrete score, patient satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction score were estimated and compared in both groups. Results The mean HR was less in group D compared to group F at following time points - 10 minutes after infusion (P = 0.006), laryngoscopy and intubation (P = 0.003), pinning of the skull (P < 0.001), one hour after dura opening (P = 0.007), two hours after dura opening (P = 0.006), five minutes after extubation (P < 0.001), and 30 minutes after extubation (P = 0.011). MAP was lower in group D compared to group F at the following time intervals: 10 minutes after infusion (P = 0.008), five minutes after extubation (P = 0.007), 30 minutes after extubation (P < 0.001), and one hour after extubation (P = 0.023). A significant decrease in emergence time in group D compared to group F (P < 0.001) was noted. NRS was lower in group D at eight hours (P = 0.005) and 12 hours (P < 0.001) post-extubation. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can be used as an alternative to fentanyl in terms of perioperative hemodynamic stability, perioperative analgesia, smooth early recovery from anesthesia, patient satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction.