[Effect of target-controlled infusion sufentanil in different doses combined with nitrogen monoxide inhalation on...

To investigate the effect of target-controlled infusion sufentanil in different doses combined with inhalation anesthesia at 0.9 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) on the intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative recovery of spontaneous breathing.

Sixty patients aged 18-65, weighing 45-80 kg, undergoing colectomy or pedical screw intermix were randomized into 3 groups: Groups S3, S4, and S5 to receive sufentanil at the fixed target plasma concentrations of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ng/ml respectively in combination of nitrogen monoxide inhalation at 0.9 MAC. The arterial blood pressure (ABP), heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram (ECG), and pulse blood oxygen saturation during anesthesia were monitored, the time between the termination of anesthetic use and recovery of spontaneous breathing and extubation were observed, and the use of vasoactive drug and other intravenous anesthetics were recorded.

The BP and HR were nearly stable during the anesthesia in three groups. The values of time from termination of anesthesia to recovery of spontaneous breathing of Groups S2, S3, and S5 were (3.3 +/- 2.0) min, (2.8-2.5) min, and (6.1-3.4) min) respectively without significant differences among them. The time from termination of anesthetic use to extubation of Group S5 was 14.6 +/- 10.9 min, significantly longer than those of Groups S3 and S4: [(9.6 +/- 8.0) and (9.4 +/- 6.4) min, both P < 0.05].

When the concentration of inhalation anesthetic is at 0.9 MAC, the target plasma sufentanil concentration of 0.3 ng/ml is adequate in anesthesia. If sufentanil infusion was terminated 50 min before the end of surgery, the patients can recover safely and quickly.