Abstract: AIM: To observe the safety and the appropriate amount of sedation of dexmedetomidine on the recovery period after general anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing abdominal gynecological surgery after general anesthesia, aged 40-55 yrs, weight 50-75 kg, the operation time between 1-2.5 h. Patients were induced and maintained according to the same kilogram of body weight, then sent into the recovery room after surgery. They were randomly divided into four groups: Saline control group, D₁ group: dexmedetomidine group 0.2 μg/kg, D₂　Group: dexmedetomidine group 0.4 μg/kg, D₃ Group: dexmedetomidine group 0.6 μg/kg. The blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, pulse oxygen saturation and Ramsay sedation scores were monitored before(T₁) and after using the drugs 5 min(T₂), 30 min(T₃), before(T₄) and after tracheal extubation(T₅), and leaving room(T₆). Blood gas was recorded before(T₁) and after using the drugs 30 min(T₃), and leaving room(T₆). Time of extubation and leaving room, then sleep, bradycardia, hypotension and other side effects were observed. RESULTS: Compared with before administration, the blood pressure and heart rate decreased in the three groups after administration(P<0.05). The blood pressure and heart rate in D₂ Group and D₃ Group were lower than the other groups at T₂, T₄-T₆(P<0.05). RS in NS Group and D₁ Group were higher than D₂ Group and D₃ Group (P<0.05). OAAS and BIS in D₃ Group were lower than other groups. Ramsay sedation scores in D₃ Group were higher than the other groups (P<0.05). D₃ Group had the higher risk back to sleep and bradycardia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is safe that DEX is used in patients with sedation during the recovery period after general anesthesia. It improves the quality of awakening.

Key words: Dexmedetomidine, Recovery period, Sedation