Clonidine decreased intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty

Intraoperative bleeding accounts one of the most disturbing complications during various surgeries including vertebral column surgery, head and neck surgery, plastic surgery especially rhinoplasty. To decline this problem, some techniques and drugs are used. We examined the effect of clonidine given as an oral preanesthetic medication in producing a bloodless surgical field in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed in 40 patients scheduled for elective rhinoplasty under general anesthesia. Patients had been divided randomly in two groups. 20 patients received only diazepam 0.1 mg/kg and 20 patients received both diazepam 0.1 mg/kg and clonidine 3 µg/kg orally 90 minute prior to arrival at the operating room. Method of anesthesia were simillar in two groups. Intraoperative bleeding was assessed on a four-scale from 1=no bleeding to 4= abundant bleeding and also amount of blood in suction and number of gauze that total bloody. These data were recorded in data collecting sheets. There were no significant statistical difference in sex and means of age between two groups (p<0.05). Mean age was 24.9±6 years. The mean of gauze number in group that recieved clonidine was 1.9±0.9 and in other group 3.6±1.1. The mean blood volume in suction was 65± 28cc and 125±30cc (clonidine recieved and other group, respectively). Statistical analysis using independent sample T-test shows significant difference between two groups (p<0.001). Premedication with oral clonidine 3 µg/kg reduce bleeding in rhinoplasty and improve surgeon’s satisfaction.