Comparative Study of Modified Radical Mastectomy Performed Under Local Anaesthesia With Dexmedetomidine Infusion vs. General Anaesthesi

Abstract

BACKGROUND The incidence of breast cancer is on the rise in developing countries. Though, there have been significant advances in general anaesthesia, surgery in elderly and those with comorbid illness still have an attendant morbidity and mortality. After the introduction of local anaesthesia by Kolher in 1884 and in spite of steady refinement, local anaesthesia is still not being widely used in major general surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted in Government Medical College, Calicut, a tertiary care centre in Kerala. The outcome of Modified Radical Mastectomy performed under Local Anaesthesia (LA) and dexmedetomidine infusion was compared to similar cases done under General Anaesthesia (GA). RESULTS Rapid recovery from sedation leading to early restoration of normal physical activity was observed in the LA group when compared to GA group. Early initiation of oral feeds was possible in the former group as Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) was significantly less. Effective postoperative pain relief and significant reduction in respiratory complications was observed in the LA group compared to GA group.