Controlled hypotension is commonly used to achieve a bloodless operative field which is needed for successful FESS. This study was carried out to assess the hypotensive effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) during FESS. METHODS: Fifty ASA grades I and II patients of either sex aged 20-50 years undergoing FESS were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. Group D received 10-15 min prior to induction of anesthesia 1 μg/kg IV bolus DEX diluted in 10 ml of normal saline over 10 min. Immediately thereafter an infusion of 0.4 μg/kg/hr of DEX commenced. Group C received placebo bolus and infusion of saline at a rate similar to DEX in Group D. Standard anesthetic technique was used. The surgical field was assessed using Average Category Scale and average blood loss was calculated. Hemodynamic variables (MAP and HR); emergence time and total recovery from anesthesia (Aldrete score ≥9) were recorded. RESULT: Group D reached the desired MAP (55-65 mmHg). In group D patients the average MAP was 55.9±5.3 mm of Hg, where as in group C it was 86.2±11.4 mm of Hg. Patients in group D had a better surgical field, and the duration of surgery was significantly reduced(78.34±16.7mins in group D vs 103.2±113.1 mins in group C) The mean awakening time was significantly reduced in patients of Group D (9.1±2.7 mins in group D vs12.8±2.2 mins in group C) when compared to patients of Group C. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that dexmedetomidine is a safe agent for controlled hypotension and is effective in providing ideal surgical field during FESS.