Postoperative recovery of colorectal patients enhanced with dexmedetomidine (PReCEDex): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

In adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine results in clinically meaningful improvements in postoperative gastrointestinal function and consequently, shorter length of stay. Therefore, dexmedetomidine may serve as a valuable adjunct in enhancing postoperative recovery of patients following elective colorectal surgery, thereby reducing healthcare utilization, and improving patient outcomes.