Collapse of Lumbar Vertebrae Clinical Trial
Official title:
Prospective Randomized Double Blind Study of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine and Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Multi-level Thoraco-lumbar Spine Surgery
The investigators will conduct a prospective randomized double blind study comparing methadone plus methadone and intraoperative dexmedetomidine in multi-level spine surgery in two randomized groups. The investigators plan to document the intraoperative opioid requirements, time to first dose of opioids postoperatively and total opioid consumption in the first 24, 48 and 72 hours. The incidence of intra and postoperative complications will be assessed.
Patients presenting for thoracic and/or lumbar spine surgery with neuromonitoring
(MEP/SSEP/EMG)will be recruited. Standard anesthesia monitoring will be performed.
Randomized to a placebo or dexmedetomidine arm. Both groups will receive methadone 0.2 mg/kg
ideal weight after induction of anesthesia.
The placebo/dexmedetomidine will be loaded at 1 mcg/kg over 20 minutes and then a continuous
infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg/h for the duration of the procedure.
Intraoperative analgesia will be provided with fentanyl and dilaudid per the anesthesia
team.
Upon closure the study drug will be terminated. Patients will be followed up for 72 hours
after surgery. Total opiate consumption and visual analogue scale ratings will be
documented.
Intra and postoperative inotrope/pressor requirements will be recorded.
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