Dexmedetomidine; An adjuvant drug for fast-track technique in pediatric cardiac surgery

Background: Fast-track strategies in pediatric cardiac surgery aim to achieve early extubation and reduce ICU and hospital length of stay. Dexmedetomidine may facilitate fast tracking by providing hemodynamic stability and opioid-sparing effects.

Methods: Forty pediatric patients (2–10 years) undergoing congenital heart surgery with CPB were randomized into dexmedetomidine or control groups. Recovery profile and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

Results: Dexmedetomidine significantly improved hemodynamic stability, reduced opioid consumption, enabled earlier extubation, and shortened ICU and hospital stays (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is a valuable adjuvant for fast-track anesthesia in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Professor of Anesthesia & ICU & Pain management
Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
Professor of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Mansoura University Children Hospital (MUCH).
•    Master’s degree Anesthesia & ICU & Pain management (1999)
•    M.D. Anesthesia & ICU & Pain management (2004)
(I had all my training, teaching and practice at Mansoura University Tertiary Hospitals over a period of 29 years)
Consultant of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit 
HOD of Anesthesia Department, Manager of OT and Intensive Care Unit
Kalba Hospital, EHS, UAE (from 07/01/2019 to 30/07/2024)
Consultant of Anesthesia, SKHF (from 05/08/2024 until now)
Sheikh Khalifa Hospital Fujairah (SKHF), UAE (current job)
•    I Have 43 International Publications
•    I Have been a speaker and chairperson in many international conferences
•    I have Membership of the following Organizations:
•    Egyptian Society of Anesthesia (EGSA).
•    Egyptian Cardiovascular Anesthesia Society (ECTAS).
•    European Resuscitation Council (ERC).
•    Egyptian Medical Society of Echocardiography.
•    Egyptian Society for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine