Sedation by Dexmedetomidine and Propofol

Comparison of the Upper Airway Patency by Dexmedetomidine and Propofol Used for Sedation

Under the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine sedation would result in less upper airway obstruction, we evaluated the occurrence of upper airway collapse or the requirement of airway intervention in patients with obstructive sleep apnea during dexmedetomidine or propofol sedation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Surgery under spinal anesthesia
• Intraoperative sedation
• American Society of Anesthesiology physical status 1 or 2
• Apnea/hypopnea index 5-14/h in Watch-PAT 200 analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anatomical defects on upper respiratory tract
• Psychotic disorder
• Drug addition
• Alcohol addition
• body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2