Comparison of propranolol and diazepam premedications in patients undergoing thyroidectomy

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 40 and 60 mg propranolol premedications on preoperative anxiety, hemodynamic stress responses to intubation and postoperative shivering compared to with diazepam or placebo in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: 85 ASA I-II adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled into the study. The patients received one of the following peroral premedications the night before surgery and 2 hour preoperatively; 60 mg propranolol (Group P60), 40 mg propranolol (Group P40), 10 mg diazepam (Group D) and placebo (Group P). Preoperative anxiety was measured on admission via State-Trait Anxiety inventory (STAI-1 and STAI-2) at the preoperative room and six hour after surgery using STAI-1. Perioperative heart rate (HR), mean arterial presure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation, body temperatures, shivering, meperidin, remifentanil consumption were recorded. Results: Preoperative, postoperative STAI-1 scores in the Group P60 and Group P40 were lower than the Group D, Group P (p<0.01). There were no differences MAP and HR after intubation in the Group P60 and Group P40 while significant increments in the Group D and Group P (p<0.05). Intraoperatively and early postoperatively analgesic consumption in Group D and Group P were higher compared to Group P60 and Group P40 (p<0.001). There were significant reduction in postoperative shivering incidence in the Group P60 and Group P40 compared to Group D and Group P (p<0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that peroral propranolol premedication was beneficial and 40 and 60 mg propranolol premedications had similar effects in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.