Effect of dexmedetomidine supplementation for thoracoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of dexmedetomidine supplementation for thoracoscopic surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of dexmedetomidine for thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through September 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine supplementation on thoracoscopic surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Six RCTs involving 510 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for thoracoscopic surgery, dexmedetomidine supplementation results in significantly reduced pain scores (SMD = − 1.50; 95% CI = − 2.63–− 0.37; P = 0.009), anesthetic consumption (SMD = − 3.91; 95% CI = − 6.76–− 1.05; P = 0.007), mean heart rate (SMD = − 0.41; 95% CI = − 0.65–− 0.18; P = 0.0007), and the risk ratio (RR) of ICU stay (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.19–0.80; P = 0.01), but showed no obvious effect on mean blood pressure (SMD = − 0.07; 95% CI = − 0.45–0.31; P = 0.72) or hospital stay (SMD = − 0.61; 95% CI = − 1.30–0.08; P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine supplementation can substantially improve the analgesic efficacy for thoracoscopic surgery. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-01803-z.