Objective:To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine-based anesthesia on intestinal barrier function in the patients with acute intestinal obstruction.Methods:Ninety-four patients with acute intestinal barrier obstruction, aged 33-81 yr, weighing 48-80 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, were divided into 2 groups ( n=47 each) using a random number table method: routine anesthesia group (group R) and dexmedetomidine-based anesthesia group (group D). In group D, dexmedetomidine was intravenously injected in a loading dose of 1 μg/kg at 15 min before induction of general anesthesia followed by an infusion of 0.5 μg·kg -1·h -1 until 30 min before the end of operation.Before infusing the loading dose of dexmedetomidine, at 1 day after surgery, at 3 days after surgery, and at 7 days after surgery, peripheral venous blood samples were collected to measure the concentrations of diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, bacterial endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6.The occurrence of postoperative complications, anal exhaust time and average length of hospital stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group R, the concentrations of diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, bacterial endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 days after surgery, anal exhaust time and average length of hospital stay were shortened, and the requirement for respiratory cycle support and total incidence of complications were decreased in group D ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine-based anesthesia can improve intestinal barrier function to a certain extent in patients with acute intestinal obstruction.