The children were unpremedicated. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 8% and nitrous oxide 70% in oxygen or intravenous induction with propofol (2,5-3 mg/kg). After induction rocuronium 0,6 mg/kg was administered for muscle relaxation and fentanyl 1 µg/kg before tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2-3% and nitrous oxide 30% in oxygen. After intubation children were randomized into two groups:Group D 2µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 2 ml normal saline (1 ml per tonsil), Group S peritonsillar 2ml normal saline (1 ml per tonsil) via peritonsillar infiltration. For the infiltration, all injections were performed through the tonsillar capsule and anterior plica. After the infiltration, a minimum of 3 min was allowed for the onset of action of dexmedetomidine before adenotonsillectomy. Adenotonsillectomy was performed with snare technic by the same surgeon in all cases. Heart rate, arterial pressure and oxygen saturations (SpO2) were recorded at 10 min interval during operation.All patients received metoclopropamide 0,2 mg/kg i.v. before end of the surgery. After extubation the patients were taken to the postanesthesia care unit where an anesthetist and nurses who were unaware of the study drug observed the patients.