Effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients with general anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: There is controversy surrounding the influence of dexmedetomidine on the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients under general anesthesia. The main purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine administration during the perioperative period on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients under general anesthesia.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing dexmedetomidine administration with placebo for the recovery of gastrointestinal function. The primary outcomes were gastrointestinal function; first oral feeding time; incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative nausea, and postoperative vomiting; time to first bowel sound; time to first flatus; and time to first defecation. The secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay.

Results: A total of 20 studies comparing 2,470 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Perioperative dexmedetomidine administration did not result in a significant reduction in the time to first oral feeding (MD= -7.91, 95% CI = - 16.45 to 0.62, P = 0.07). However, dexmedetomidine administration was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.88, P = 0.001), time to first flatus (MD= -6.73, 95% CI= -10.31 to -3.15, P = 0.0002), and time to first defecation (MD= -12.01, 95% CI = -22.40 to -1.61, P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Perioperative dexmedetomidine administration can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduce the length of hospital stay after abdominal surgery. The optimal dose and timing of dexmedetomidine and the influence on non-abdominal surgery need further investigation.

Trial registration: The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023443708) on July 9, 2023.