Perioperative dexmedetomidine was paradoxically associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased postoperative respiratory support requirements. These findings suggest that dexmedetomidine should be employed as an adjunct rather than a substitute for opioids, particularly in patients undergoing complex procedures. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to refine dexmedetomidine's role in fast-track extubation protocols in this high-risk population.
Atatepe et al. (Thu,) studied this question.