Comparison between nalbuphine propofol and dexmedetomidine propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion conditions using either nalbuphine - propofol or dexmedetomidine - propofol. Materials and Methods: Sixty female patients aged 25–35 years posted for interval tubal ligation were randomly allocated in two groups of 30 each. Group N received intravenous injection nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg over 5 min, and Group D received injection dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 5 min. Later, all the patients were induced with injection propofol 2 mg/kg and 90 s after induction, classic LMA of number 3 was inserted in all the patients. LMA insertion conditions were assessed using various parameters. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and SpO2were recorded before induction and at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after LMA insertion. Incidence and duration of apnea were also recorded. Observations and Results: Demographic data were comparable in both the groups. LMA insertion conditions were comparable in both the groups (P = 0.15), and both the groups had excellent LMA insertion conditions. The apnea duration was slightly more in dexmedetomidine group (140 s) as against nalbuphine group (120 s). The reduction in heart rate was more in Group D and the difference was statistically significant at 1 and 3 min after induction (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Nalbuphine combined with propofol provides similar conditions of LMA insertion as that of dexmedetomidine - propofol combination with advantage of better maintenance of hemodynamic stability