TDNet Discover

Introduction: Postoperative pain management is a critical component of recovery in adult patients undergoing surgery. Effective pain control enhances patient comfort and satisfaction, also minimizing complications such as prolonged hospital stays, chronic pain, and the potential for opioid dependence. Traditionally, opioids have been the cornerstone of postoperative analgesia. However, their use is associated with adverse effects, including respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, and the risk of addiction. These concerns have led to a growing interest in multimodal analgesia approaches that aim to reduce opioid consumption while enhancing pain relief. DEX, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has gained attention as an adjunct to anesthesia for its analgesic and sedative properties. Unlike opioids, DEX offers pain relief without significant respiratory depression, making it a promising option for postoperative pain management. Despite its benefits, the role of DEX in postoperative pain management is still being explored regarding optimal dosing, routes of administration, and its efficacy across different surgical procedures. In this context, a critical question emerges: following the implementation of updated institutional protocols incorporating DEX as an adjunct to general anesthesia in adult patients undergoing inpatient surgery, has there been a measurable reduction in postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption within the first 24 hours? This literature review examines the current evidence on the use of DEX as an adjunct in both regional and intravenous (IV) use for postoperative pain management. By analyzing studies that assess its impact on opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores, and related outcomes, this review offers valuable insights into DEX’s therapeutic profile. Additionally, it explores how DEX can be effectively 3 integrated into existing pain management protocols to enhance patient outcomes while reducing opioid reliance.