Kim, H.C., Lee, Y.H., Jeon, Y.T., Hwang, J.W., Lim, Y.J., Park, J.E., & Park, H.P. (2015). The effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in patients undergoing transurethral bladder tumour resection: A double-blind randomised study. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 32, 596–601.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To determine the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on incidence of catheter-related bladder discomfort

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were randomized to control and dexmedetomidine. After induction, the dexmedetomidien group had a loading dose of 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes and then a continuous infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg per hour until the end of surgery. Control patients received an identical volume of normal saline.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 109   
  • AGE = Not provided
  • MALES: 100%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Other
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All were undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
 

 

Setting

  • SITE: Single site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Inpatient    
  • LOCATION: South Korea

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Double-blind randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Patient response to verbal questions for pain severity or by patients reporting pain on their own

Results

The incidence of catheter-related bladder pain was higher in the control group (p = 0.004) and, at one hour after surgery, pain severity was lower in the experimental group (p = 0.041). The incidence of moderate-to-severe pain was higher in the control group (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine may reduce postoperative catheter-related bladder pain.

Limitations

  • Unintended interventions or applicable interventions not described that would influence results
  • Measurement/methods not well described
  • Measurement validity/reliability questionable
  • Method of pain measurement is very questionable, as more severe pain was identified only if the patient raised the issue. 
  • Timing of measures was not explained.
  • No information on use of analgesics was provided.
  • No sample demographic information was provided.

Nursing Implications

Findings suggest that intraoperative dexmedetomidine may reduce bladder pain associated with an indwelling catheter; however, more well-designed research is needed. This study had multiple limitations.