The efficacy of clonidine on intraoperative bleeding in middle ear microsurgery

ntroduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of clonidine on intraoperative bleeding in middle ear microsurgery. This prospective double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 51 patients (ASA I, II), aged 15-60 year undergoing middle ear microsurgery. They were randomly assigned to receive either 200 micrograms clonidine per oral or placebo 90 minutes prior the operation in a double blind condition. Intraoperative bleeding was assessed on a four-point scale. Systemic blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and during surgery. Intraoperative bleeding, antihypertensive requirements, cardiovascular changes after intubation, post operative bleeding and reoperations were compared between two groups. Clonidine group had a better bloodless surgical field than placebo group (P<0.05). Intraoperative consumption of antihypertensive drugs to reduce bleeding were significantly lower in the clonidine group (P<0.05). Heart rate and blood pressure were lower in the clonidine group, but their differences were not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in post operative bleeding and the rate of graft failure (reoperation) between two groups. Clonidine as a premedication can provide a bloodless surgical field and can improve surgical visibility during microsurgery.