2023, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B

Background: Magnesium sulfate has emerged as a potential adjuvant in general anaesthesia due to its NMDA receptor antagonism and calcium channel-blocking properties, which may confer improved intraoperative stability and postoperative analgesia. This study evaluates its efficacy in elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia.

Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesia, MNR Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, from February 2022 to January 2023. Eighty patients aged 18-60 years, classified as ASA I-II, scheduled for elective abdominal or orthopedic surgeries under general anaesthesia, were randomized into two groups: Group M (received intravenous magnesium sulfate) and Group C (control, received normal saline). Hemodynamic parameters, intraoperative fentanyl requirements, and postoperative VAS pain scores were recorded and statistically analyzed using SPSS v26.

Results: Group M exhibited significantly more stable intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p<0.001) and reduced heart rate fluctuations (p = 0.002). Total intraoperative fentanyl requirement was lower in Group M (mean 89.5±12.3 µg) compared to Group C (121.2±15.8 µg, p<0.001). Postoperative VAS scores at 2, 4, and 6 hours were also significantly lower in Group M (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate, when used as an adjuvant in general anaesthesia, enhances intraoperative hemodynamic stability and significantly reduces opioid consumption and early postoperative pain. Its incorporation may improve anaesthetic outcomes in routine clinical practice.