Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol for Sedation in Awake Neurosurgery: Respiratory and Hemodynamic Safety

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) with continuous sedation for awake craniotomy allows rapid recovery but increases risks of hypoventilation and hypoxemia. In April 2019, our center replaced propofol-based sedation with dexmedetomidine-based protocols to improve respiratory safety. We evaluated the impact of this protocol change on respiratory and hemodynamic outcomes. This single-center retrospective before-after observational study analyzed all adult patients undergoing awake craniotomy between April 2017 and July 2021. The propofol group (April 2017-March 2019) received propofol-remifentanil sedation; the dexmedetomidine group (April 2019-July 2021) received dexmedetomidine-based sedation with supplemental low-dose propofol. Primary endpoints were hypoxemia (SpO2 < 92