Abstract: Objective To study the effect of dexmedetomidine on anesthesia and cognitive functions in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods A total of 100 elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital between March 2017 and March 2019 were selected, who were equally divided into group A and group B using the random number table method. Group A received general anesthesia while group B was additionally given dexmedetomidine. The hemodynamics [mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR)], anesthesia effect [bispectral index (BIS)], general anesthesia dosage, cognitive function [mini-mental state examination scale (MMSE)] and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The MAP, HR and BIS in group B 10 minutes into anesthesia (T1), during cholecystectomy (T2), and post-operatively (T3) were significantly lower than those in group A, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The dosage of general anesthesia and the incidence of cognitive impairment in group B were significantly lower than those in group A, while the MMSE scores in group B at 12, 24 and 72 h after operation were significantly higher than those in group A, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can effectively improve the hemodynamics and anesthesia effect of elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, thus helping to reduce the dosage of general anesthesia and cognitive impairment. It is safe and should be made more accessible.

Key words: dexmedetomidine, general anesthesia, elderly, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, anesthesia effect, cognitive function