Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jan 2022
ReviewThe effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative bowel function recovery in adult patients receiving general anaesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Dexmedetomidine has opioid sparing actions but its effect on bowel recovery is controversial. Primary aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative bowel recovery. Secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on hospital discharge. ⋯ Perioperative dexmedetomidine usage significantly shortens the time to first flatus, feces and composite bowel recovery but does not result in a shorter time to oral diet or earlier hospital discharge in adult patients receiving general anesthesia. Strength of evidence is however very low for the effect of dexmedetomidine on bowel recovery.