Surgical management of Ludwig’s angina under conscious sedation using intravenous combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine

Background: Ludwig’s angina (LA) is a life-threatening condition, in which there gangrenous cellulitis of floor mouth that spreads through facial planes to involve neck region and has the potential cause airway obstruction. Even though with advent broad-spectrum antibiotics, it’s incidence decreased considerably, anesthetic management patients, particularly children, undergoing drainage for LA group STILL remains challenging task. Aims Objectives: The aim this study was test efficacy safety intravenous combination dexmedetomidine ketamine (DEXKET) abscess patients having LA. Materials Methods: This prospective study, 40 cases posted Abscess were included on basis redefined inclusion exclusion criteria. done under anesthesia using DEXKET as only drug. prepared by mixing 0.5 mcg/kg along 1 mg/kg 5 ml syringe then diluted until distilled water. given bolus dose. Drainage accomplished IV sedation. Results: In 28 males 12 females M: F ratio 1:0.42. mean age male female found be 38.35±10.58 36.41±11.37 years, respectively. Dental caries most common leading seen 32 (80%) patients. There no episodes significant bradycardia, hypotension or desaturation during surgical procedure, well post-operative period. procedure could without any additional doses DEXKET. Two (5%) had nausea vomiting. Conclusion: sedation an effective approach