Effect of Dexmedetomidine of Gastrointestinal Motility

Detailed Summary

Anorectal manometry requires that the patient be able to respond to command and not receive any medications which could alter muscle tone or motility. In the pediatric population, anorectal manometry can be psychologically challenging to parents and their child, as it is traditionally performed without adjuvant sedation or anesthesia. Sedatives and anesthesia can alter motility and smooth muscle activity, as well as render it difficult or impossible for the child to follow commands required of the study. Patient or parent non-compliance, inability to follow commands or to tolerate the procedure often renders the study invalid or impossible to complete. Dexmedetomidine is a sedative who's effect on anorectal musculature has not been studied nor determined. It would be important to determine whether it spares smooth muscle function, as it would provide a viable option to provide sedation to children while still preserving their ability to respond to command. The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine on gastrointestinal smooth muscle by observing changes in anorectal manometry before and after dexmedetomdine administration.

Study Details

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Interventions