Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)in elderly patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: Seventy-six ASA grade I or II patients and mimi mental state exam (MMSE) score＞23, aged 65-81 y, scheduled for elective for TURP were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups (n=38 each): Dex group (group D) and control group (group C). Dex 1 μg/kg was infused intravenously over 10 min before anesthesia induction, and then infused at a rate of 0.5 μg·kg^-1·h^-1 until 30 min before the end of the operation in group D. Group C received the equal volume of normal saline with same way. MAP and HR were recorded before intubation (T₀), intubation (T₁), beginning of the surgery (T₂) and 30 min after surgery (T₃). The time of operation and awakening were recorded. Cognitive function was assessed at 24 h before and after operation using MMSE. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of general information and parameters in operation was not statistically significant between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with group D, MAP at T₁,T₂ in group C were significantly increased (P<0.05). MMSE scores at 24 h after operation were higher in group D and the incidence of POCD was lower than group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Dex can decrease the incidence of early POCD in elderly patients undergoing TURP, hemodynamic parameters is steady and does not affect awakening of patients.

Key words: dexmedetomidine, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, geriatrics, transurethral resection of the prostate