[The use of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgery.].
OBJECTIVE
The use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists is increasingly more frequent in Anesthesiology, as adjuvant or the sole anesthetic drug. Currently, dexmedetomidine is gaining popularity due to its greater selectivity for the alpha2-adrenergic receptors and its pharmacokinetic profile. The aim of this review was to analyze the use of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgery.


BACKGROUND
Besides considerations and review of the literature regarding the use of dexmedetomidine, specifically in neurosurgical procedures, its effects on the different organ systems are described.


CONCLUSIONS
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of dexmedetomidine favors its use in several neurosurgical procedures. Its use in craniotomy for the treatment of aneurysms and tumor removal is recent. Besides, its use in functional surgical interventions is promising.
Herbert
Bernardo Aloisio Grings
BA
Departamento de Anestesiologia, FMB, UNESP.
Ramaciotti
Paulo Magalhães Gomes
PM
Ferrari
Fábio
F
Navarro
Laís Helena Camacho
LH
Nakamura
Giane
G
Rodrigues
Geraldo Rolim
GR
Castiglia
Yara Marcondes Machado
YM
Braz
José Reinaldo Cerqueira
JR
Nascimento
Paulo do
Pd