Sphenopalatine Block vs Dexmedetomidine Infusion in Trans Nasal Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Pituitary neoplasm is one of the most common sellar pathology. Trans-nasal endoscopic pituitary surgery (TEPS) evolved rapidly, almost replacing the craniotomy approach. TEPS, a surgical instrument, is primarily executed through a minimally invasive approach through the nostril to access a pituitary tumor.

That is why the anesthetic plan must ensure the best possible surgical field visualization and the most adequate analgesia.

Multimodal anesthesia including regional and general anesthesia are obtained to optimize surgical field by decreasing bleeding, reduce pain, promote rapid recovery and potential economic gains for the hospital.

The sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) is considered one of the regional anesthetic techniques that is safe and easy anesthetic procedure used to control bleeding and for postoperative analgesia.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has become popular for induced hypotension. It is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist with a sympatholytic and analgesic effect. It provides a unique conscious sedation without respiratory depression. It is used effectively in optimizing surgical field through its hemodynamic stability effect.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: between 21-64 years old.
• sex: males and females.
• Body mass index: 35 kg/m2.
• ASA Physical status: grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ.

Exclusion criteria

• patients receiving beta blockers, anti-coagulants and antihypertensive medications also patients receiving clonidine or benzodiazepines, neuroleptics or antidepressants two weeks prior to the study.
• Any contraindication for regional anesthesia e.g. coagulopathy, infection at site of block and hypersensitivity to any drug used in this study.
• Patients who are known to be drug addict.