Perioperative Use of Dexmedetomidine and Its Effects on Mortality and Postoperative Complications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20480877Keywords:
dexmedetomidine, anesthesiology, perioperative period, postoperative complications, mortalityAbstract
Dexmedetomidine has been widely used during the perioperative period due to its sedative, analgesic, and sympatholytic properties, generating increasing interest regarding its effects on postoperative clinical outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the available scientific evidence on the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine use on mortality and postoperative complications. This is an integrative literature review conducted through searches in national and international scientific databases. Studies evaluating the use of dexmedetomidine in surgical patients and its impact on clinical outcomes were included. The findings demonstrated that dexmedetomidine is associated with greater hemodynamic stability, reduced surgical stress response, lower opioid consumption, improved pain control, and a decreased incidence of postoperative delirium. Benefits related to postoperative recovery were also observed, although the effects on mortality were less consistent. The most frequently reported adverse events were bradycardia and hypotension. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine plays an important role in contemporary anesthesiology, contributing to improved postoperative recovery and reduced complications in surgical patients when used appropriately and individually tailored.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fernanda Christinne Alves Bento, Maria Laura Guiraldelo Pasqualotto, Loren Alves Castilho Pereira
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