ABSTRACT
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. It is available as a dietary supplement, taken primarily for the relief of insomnia. Increasing evidence from human and animal studies suggests that melatonin may be ef£cacious as a preoperative anxiolytic, a postoperative analgesic, and a preventative for postoperative delirium. It has also been reported to decrease intraocular pressure. Melatonin’s high ef£cacy, wide safety pro£le in terms of dose, and virtual lack of toxicity make it of interest in anesthetic and surgical practice. This chapter reviews clinical trial data describing the ef£cacy and safety of melatonin in the perioperative anesthetic and surgical setting. We shall also focus our attention on animal and human experimental studies that concern these issues.
