Esketamine/dexmedetomidine–based opioid-free anesthesia and its association with postoperative bowel and cognitive dysfunction after total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) protocols using esketamine and dexmedetomidine have shown potential benefits for perioperative pain control with fewer side effects. We explored whether an esketamine–dexmedetomidine OFA regimen accelerates bowel recovery and preserves cognitive function after laparoscopic total hysterectomy. In this prospective observational cohort study, we enrolled 114 women undergoing elective total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Anesthesia technique—esketamine–dexmedetomidine–based OFA (OFA group) versus standard opioid-based anesthesia (OBA group)—was chosen by the attending anesthesiologist. Key perioperative variables, including drug dosages and rescue analgesics, were recorded. The primary outcome was the time to first bowel movement. Secondary endpoints included incidence of postoperative ileus, pain scores, opioid consumption, and postoperative cognitive function assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline and postoperative Days 1 and 3. Among the 114 participants (OFA group n = 59; OBA group n = 55), median time to first bowel movement was significantly shorter in the OFA group (42 h [IQR 38–48]) compared with the OBA group (49 h [IQR 42–56]; p < 0.01). Postoperative ileus occurred in 6% of OFA patients versus 15% of OBA patients (p = 0.07). Postoperative MoCA scores showed a smaller decline from baseline in the OFA group (mean difference − 1.2 ± 1.0) compared with the OBA group (− 2.3 ± 1.5; p < 0.05). Use of rescue opioids was lower in the OFA group (23% vs. 42%; p = 0.02). Esketamine–dexmedetomidine–based OFA approach was associated with faster return of bowel function and reduced cognitive decline compared to standard opioid-based anesthesia in women undergoing TLH, without compromising analgesia or safety. These observational findings warrant confirmation in randomized trials.