Perioperative esketamine improves postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Esketamine significantly improved postoperative sleep quality compared to control regimens, with a mean difference of -5.78 (95% CI [-6.80 to -4.76]) on a sleep quality scale. This finding was based on a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving 569 patients.
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Perioperative esketamine improves postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Perioperative esketamine improves postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (Journal of clinical medicine, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Esketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the central nervous system
- ▸This reduces excitatory neurotransmission and pain signaling
- ▸Improved pain control and reduced opioid use may enhance sleep quality
- ▸Result: Improved postoperative sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Recommended Dose
N/A (not specified in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only six RCTs with 569 patients were included, limiting generalizability
- ▸Pain scores at rest and during movement were not statistically significant, suggesting limited analgesic efficacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is esketamine?▼
Esketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used as an anesthetic and analgesic adjunct, often administered perioperatively to reduce pain and improve recovery.
How does esketamine improve sleep quality after surgery?▼
Esketamine may improve sleep quality by reducing pain and opioid-related side effects, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. The study found a significant improvement in sleep quality scores.
Is esketamine safe for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?▼
The study reported reduced rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting and respiratory depression with esketamine, suggesting a favorable safety profile, but larger trials are needed.
Does esketamine reduce pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?▼
The meta-analysis found lower pain scores with esketamine, but these were not statistically significant, indicating limited evidence for pain reduction.
References
- 1.Aldousari AH, Alkandari H, Alruwaished S, Almutairi YMFH, Alkandari A, Alnajdi S, Alsharah M, Termos S. “Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials..” Journal of clinical medicine, 2026. PMID: 42452364 DOI: 10.3390/jcm15134902