Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of Dexmedetomidine on perioperative cerebral oxygen metabolism and postoperative cognitive function in the elderly patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery. Methods Using the random number table method, 120 ASA I-II elderly patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery were randomly divided into Dexmedetomidine group (group A) and control group (group B), with 60 in each group. The patients in the group A were given Dexmedetomidine before induction and for intraoperative maintenance. The patients in the group B were given the equal volume of saline. Blood samples for blood gas were taken from radial artery and jugular bulb before induction of anesthesia (T0), immediately after tracheal intubation (T1), at the end of freeing the left gastric artery (T2), at the end of gastrointestinal anastomosis (T3), at the end of operation (T4). Da-jvO2 and CERO2 were calculated at the same time. Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) score was recorded before operation and 1, 2 and 3 d after operation. Results Compared with the T0, Da-jvO2 and CERO2 were decreased in both groups at T1-T4 (P < 0.05). Compared with the group B, Da-jvO2 and CERO2 were decreased in the group A at T2-T4 (P < 0.05). Compared with preoperative score, MMSE score was decreased at all postoperative time points in the group B (P < 0.05). Compared with the group B, MMSE score was increased at all postoperative time points in the group A (P < 0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can decrease perioperative cerebral oxygen metabolism and improve postoperative cognitive function in the elderly patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery.