The implementation of an early extubation clinical practice guideline resulted in a reduction in the dose of opioids and benzodiazepines without a change in volatile anesthetic agent used in the operating room.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration was independently associated with early extubation.

The total benzodiazepine exposure decreased in the early postoperative period.

Clinical practice guideline implementation was accompanied by a decrease in the median total intraoperative dose of opioids and benzodiazepines, but no change in median volatile anesthetic agent exposure.

A total of 240 study subjects who underwent repair of coarctation of the aorta or tetralogy of Fallot (119 preguideline implementation and 121 postguideline implementation).

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