Effect of propofol and sevoflurane on postoperative fatigue after laparoscopic hysterectomy

Postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) is an important factor in postoperative recovery. However, the effect of anesthetic drugs on postoperative fatigue in female patients has been rarely studied. This study compared the effects of maintaining general anesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane on the incidence of POFS in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Eligible patients were randomized into the propofol and sevoflurane groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of POFS within 30 Days, defined by a simplified identity consequence fatigue scale (ICFS-10) scores≥24 or Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of fatigues>6. Secondary outcomes were perioperative grip strength, early ambulation and anal exhaust after surgery, and inpatient days.

32 participants were assigned to the propofol group (P) and 33 to the sevoflurane group (S). Incidence of POFS on postoperative D1 was P (8/32) vs. S (10/33) (p = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.4-27.00); D3 P (2/32) vs. S (5/33) (p = 0.45,95% CI:5.96-23.76). POFS were not found on postoperative D5 and D30. There were no differences in perioperative grip strength, early ambulation and anal exhaust after surgery, and inpatient days between the two groups.

POFS after scheduled laparoscopic hysterectomy was unaffected by anesthesia with propofol vs. sevoflurane. The incidence of POFS was highest on the first postoperative day, at 27.7%, and declined progressively over the postoperative 30 days. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR 2,000,033,861), registered on 14/06/2020).