Comparison of dexmedetomidine with midazolam for third molar surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The analgesic sedation of dexmedetomidine compared with midazolam for third molar surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for third molar surgery. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through December 2022 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for third molar surgery. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with midazolam for third molar surgery, dexmedetomidine administration leads to comparable oxygen saturation (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.24 to 0.74; P = .31), heart rate (SMD = −0.37; 95% CI = −1.18 to 0.44; P = .37), SBP (SMD = −0.24; 95% CI = −0.57 to 0.09; P = .16), DBP (SMD = −0.26; 95% CI = −0.60 to 0.07; P = .12), as well as nausea and vomiting (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.05–6.61; P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine may obtain the comparable sedation efficacy with midazolam for third molar surgery.