Evaluation of recovery and anesthetic gas consumption using remifentanil combined with low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia in tympanoplasty.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of low-flow sevoflurane and low-flow sevoflurane supplemented with remifentanil anesthesia on the recovery time, consumption amount of the anesthetic drugs and hemodynamic differences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomized and double-blinded study with 50 patients was designed. Following intubation, group S received sevoflurane 1.8 vol%, oxygen, nitrous oxide at 4 l · min(-1) and normal saline continuous infusion; group SR received sevoflurane 1.2 vol%, oxygen, nitrous oxide at 4 l · min(-1) and 0.25 μg · kg(-1) · min(-1) remifentanil continuous infusions. Ten minutes after intubation the flow rates decreased to 1 l · min(-1). Consumption of each drug, postoperative recovery characteristics and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were recorded.

RESULT

There were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters, tramadol consumption and VAS scores for pain. The patients in group SR showed faster early recovery as compared to group S. The mean consumption of sevoflurane was 18 ml in group SR, while it was 25 ml in group S.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia combined with remifentanil regimen in patients undergoing tympanoplasty surgery resulted in a faster early recovery and decreased sevoflurane consumption.