dexmedetomidine + esketamine + propofol

This combination therapy involves the co-administration of dexmedetomidine, esketamine, and propofol, primarily investigated for its efficacy in improving the quality of recovery (QoR) following thyroidectomy. Developed and studied by researchers at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, the regimen leverages the synergistic effects of three distinct pharmacological agents: dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2A adrenergic agonist that provides sedation and analgesia; esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine that acts as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist for potent analgesia; and propofol, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic that functions as a GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulator. The primary clinical objective of this triple combination is to reduce postoperative emergence agitation, cough, and pain, thereby enhancing the overall patient recovery profile in the perioperative setting.