Pain
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In the present meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine (DEX) compared with placebo or opioids for acute postoperative pain treatment in adults undergoing surgery. The meta-analysis was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Randomized controlled trials investigating perioperative administration of DEX were included. ⋯ The comparison of DEX vs opioids for postoperative pain treatment is less clear due to limited data. The most common adverse event was intraoperative bradycardia after DEX administration. Therefore cautions in patients at risk are warranted, and large trials focusing on long-term outcomes after intraoperative DEX use are needed.