[Effect of remifentanil on urine output during gynecological laparoscopic surgery]

We retrospectively examined the effect of remifentanil on urine output during gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia performed from April 2006 to July 2007.

Forty six patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were divided into 2 groups. In group C (n=23), anesthesia was performed using sevoflurane and/or propofol with intermittent fentanyl. In group R (n=23), remifentanil was additionally used with the method of group C.

Patient's demography was not different between the two groups. Intraoperative conditions were compatible in both groups. In group R, total dose of fentanyl is significantly lower than group C. BP and HR measured at 20 min after pneumoperitoneum were significantly lower in group R. Intraoperative urine output was significantly greater in group R than group C.

A decrease in urine output is commonly seen particularly in laparoscopic surgery. Increased stress hormonal responses due to pneumoperitoneum have been explained as one of the causes of this phenomenon. Remifentanil has been reported to maintain urine output as well as to blunt hormonal responses in CABG surgery. Although we did not measure hormonal responses in the present study, increased urine output could be attributed to decreased catecholamine levels by remifentanil.