Appropriate Dose of Fentanyl for the Prevention of Emergence Agitation after Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients undergoing Tonsillectomy

Background: We designed this study to find the appropriate dose of fentanyl for the prevention of emergence agitation in pediatric tonsillectomy patients under sevoflurane anesthesia. Methods: Sixty pediatric patients receiving sevoflurane anesthesia for tonsillectomy was assigned to 3 groups. Fentanyl 0.5/kg(group 1), 1.0/kg (group 2), or 1.5/kg (group 3) was administered intravenously 10 min before the end of surgery. Agitation score was checked at the postanesthesia care unit. Results: The results showed a lower incidence of severe agitation in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. There was no difference between groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: For preventing emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia, we recommend using fentanyl in a dose of more than 1.0/kg.