Dexmedetomidine's role in preventing agitation and confusion after microvascular free flap surgery

The incidence of agitation in the dexmedetomidine group was 10.3%, compared to 30% in the control group after excluding patient shifting.

• Overall incidence of agitation was similar between dexmedetomidine and control groups.
• When accounting for patient movement, dexmedetomidine reduced agitation compared to normal saline.
• The dexmedetomidine group showed a lower agitation rate than the control group (10.3% vs 30%; P = .029).
• No significant difference in the occurrence of delirium was observed between the two groups (5.1% vs 12.5%; P = .432).
• Dexmedetomidine does not prevent delirium in the five days following surgery.

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