The effect of sufentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) in anesthetized dogs.

The use of sufentanil in neuroanesthesia has been questioned because of a potential increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) in dogs and humans. The effect of sufentanil administration on ICP was studied in 6 dogs with normal and elevated baseline ICP, anesthetized with nitrous oxide and an intravenous piritramide infusion. No significant change in ICP could be demonstrated over a 30 minute observation period after administration of 2 micrograms/kg of sufentanil. The results indicate that this dose of sufentanil does not increase ICP in moderately hyperventilated dogs under stable anesthetic conditions.