Comparison of bolus remifentanil-propofol versus bolus fentanyl-propofol for dilatation and sharp curettage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine whether bolus administrations of remifentanil-propofol could provide adequate analgesia and similar patient comfort with a faster recovery profile compared with bolus administrations of fentanyl-propofol during dilatation and sharp curettage. METHODS: The patients were randomized to a remifentanil group (n=36) or fentanyl group (n=36). The remifentanil group received an IV bolus dose of 1 pg kg(-1) remifentanil. The fentanyl group received an IV bolus dose of fentanyl 0.5 microg kg(-1). The Verbal Pain Scale (VPS), modified Aldrete scores, blood pressure, heart rate, peripheric oxygen saturation, recovery time from anesthesia and adverse events during or after surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: The groups were found to be similar in duration of the surgical procedure, anesthesia time and hemodynamic variables and VPS scores. Patients in the remifentanil group recovered from anesthesia earlier. Modified Aldrete scores were higher in the remifentanil group at 5 and 10 min postoperatively. The frequency of perioperative adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bolus injections of remifentanil appear to be a safe and effective alternative to fentanyl, producing faster recovery in providing analgesia during dilatation and sharp curettage procedures.