Table 2. Clinical Postoperative Outcomes.
| Outcome | Median (IQR) | z Score or χ2 value | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexmedetomidine group | Control group | |||
| Total patients, No. | 344 | 331 | NA | NA |
| Primary end point | ||||
| Time to first flatus, ha | 65 (48-78) | 78 (62-93) | 7.02b | <.001 |
| Secondary end points | ||||
| Time to first feces, ha | 85 (68-115) | 98 (74-121) | 3.47b | .001 |
| Time to first oral feeding, ha | 76 (52-112) | 90 (72-115) | 4.55b | <.001 |
| Delirium, No. (%)c | ||||
| Postoperative day 1 | 41 (11.9) | 43 (13.0) | 1.13d | .57 |
| Postoperative day 2 | 25 (7.3) | 19 (5.7) | 0.65d | .42 |
| Postoperative day 3 | 18 (5.2) | 12 (3.6) | 1.03d | .31 |
| Hospital cost, Chinese yuane | 40 632 (34 106-47 502) | 43 764 (37 102-50 880) | 3.81b | <.001 |
| Length of stay, d | 13 (10-17) | 15 (11-18) | 2.82b | .005 |
Abbreviation: NA, not applicable.
a
Values were rounded to the nearest hour.
b
z Score.
c
Measured twice daily using the confusion assessment method, which evaluates acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness.
d
χ2 Value.
e
Mean exchange rate for 2018-2019 (years of study period): 1 Chinese yuan = 0.1481 US dollars. Equivalent median for dexmedetomidine group: $6018 (IQR, $5051-$7035). Equivalent median for control group: $6481 (IQR, $5495-$7535).