Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
[Remifentanil may be beneficial to urinary output under epidural-based general anesthesia]
Masahiko Onaka1, Hiromitsu Yamamoto
1Department of Anesthesia, Shunjukai Shiroyama Hospital, Habikino 583-0872.
Background:
Remifentanil may be beneficial in patients undergoing abdominal surgery by promoting urinary output.
Methods:
258 patients undergoing abdominal surgery under epidural-based general anesthesia were assigned to remifentanil infusion at 0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) (Group R, n = 130) or saline (Group N, n = 128). General anesthesia was maintained with infusion of propofol (2 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)), vecuronium (60 microg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)) with nitrous oxide (66%), and 0.5% levobupivacaine epidural infusion.
Results:
Patient's demography and intraoperative conditions were comparable in both groups. Urinary output was larger in Group R (P < 0.0003), and infusion volume was smaller in Group R (P < 0.0003).
Conclusions:
Remifentanil-based general anesthesia increased intraoperative urinary output. This phenomenon was observed under epidural anesthesia and under low-dose remifentanil infusion.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids