Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on recovery period after oral and maxillofacial surgery. METHODS： Sixty cases undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery were randomly divided into 3 groups, including remifentanil group (group R), dexmedetomidine group (group D) and normal saline group (group C). Ten minutes before the end of surgery, the patients were given target control infusion of remifentanil at effect-site concentration of 1.5 ng/mL in group R or dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg in group D or normal saline in group C, respectively. The haemodynamic parameters, Ramsay scales, coughing, agitation were recorded. Extubation time and incidence of adverse events were observed as well. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS20.0 software package. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure and heart rate at the time of extubation were significantly lower in group D and group R than those in group C (P<0.05). The Ramsay scores were significantly better in group D and group R than in group C at the time point of 5 minutes and 10 minutes after extubation , and the score in group D was better than in group R at the same time (P<0.05). The incidences of coughing and agitation were significantly lower in group D and group R than in group C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in extubation time. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine and remifentanil can reduce the haemodynamic responsiveness, coughing and agitation during the recovery period of oral and maxillofacial surgery without extending the extubation time. Dexmedetomidine can provide longer sedation time than TCI of remifentanil.

Key words: Remifentanil, Dexmedetomidine, Anesthesia recovery period, Oral and maxillofacial surgery