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Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil for elective non-cardiac surgery

G Pelosi1, A Gratarola, C Pissaia

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Eastern Piedmont School of Medicine, Novara.

Minerva Anestesiologica
|January 14, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The combination of propofol and remifentanil offers effective analgesia and stable anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery. This anesthetic approach ensures predictable recovery with a low incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Surgical Care

Background:

  • Remifentanil, a potent mu opioid agonist, exhibits predictable pharmacokinetics and a close concentration-effect relationship.
  • Optimal propofol concentrations are reduced when co-administered with remifentanil compared to other opioids, facilitating faster recovery.
  • The study aimed to assess the efficacy of propofol-remifentanil in elective non-cardiac inpatient surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of combining propofol with remifentanil for anesthesia in elective non-cardiac surgery.
  • To assess intraoperative hemodynamic stability and patient responses to surgical stimuli.
  • To determine the safety and recovery profile of this anesthetic combination.

Main Methods:

  • A total of 405 patients undergoing various non-cardiac surgeries received a standardized regimen of remifentanil and propofol.
  • Dosages were carefully controlled, with remifentanil administered at induction, laryngoscopy, skin incision, and throughout surgery.
  • Intraoperative monitoring included somatic responses, heart rate, blood pressure, and incidence of bradycardia, hypotension, and rigidity; postoperative assessments focused on Aldrete score, pain, and PONV.

Main Results:

  • The propofol-remifentanil combination effectively managed responses to laryngoscopy and surgical stress.
  • Adverse events included transient bradycardia (11.60-10.61%) and hypotension (1.48-0.98%).
  • 365 patients were discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), with a median time to an Aldrete score ≥ 9 of 22.3 minutes. Shivering occurred in 12% of patients, while postoperative analgesic requests (4.4%) and PONV (1.6%) were infrequent.

Conclusions:

  • Remifentanil combined with propofol provides profound intraoperative analgesia and stable anesthetic conditions.
  • This combination offers simplicity in administration and predictable patient recovery.
  • The propofol-remifentanil anesthetic strategy is effective and safe for elective non-cardiac surgery.

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