Continuous Infusion of Remifentanil with Propofol Target-controlled Infusion

 

Dong Hee Kim, M.D.

Dept of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheon An, Korea

 

Background:

 

This randomized, double-blind study was designed to evaluate analgesic effectives and induction and recovery time, and side effects of three different remifentanil infusion rates combined with propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) in patients undergoing plastic surgery.

 

Methods:

We included 60 patients who were administered remifentanil 0.5 ug/kg for bolus at induction with 0.1 ug/kg/min (n=20, Group 0.1) or 0.2 ug/kg/min (n=20, Group 0.2) or 0.3 ug/kg/min (n=20, Group 0.3) combined with propofol TCI. The induction and recovery time, reported at induction and surgical stimuli, mean target concentration (Tc) of propofol, mean bispectral index (BIS), and side effects were checked.

 

Results:

The mean Tc of propofol were significantly lower in 0.3 group (2.9 ug/ml) than 0.1, 0.2 group (4.8, 4.2 ug/ml) (p<0.05). Recovery time was shortened in 0.3 group (10.4 min) than 0.1, 0.2 group (19.1, 17.2 min) (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in induction time, responses, BIS, and side effects.

 

Conclusions:

We concluded that a remifentanil regimen of 0.3 ug/kg/min plus 0.5 ug/kg for bolus is superior to 0.1 or 0.2 ug/kg/min plus 0.5ug/kg for bolus according to rapid recovery due to propofol sparing effect.