Summary

Background and objective: We assessed the intraoperative haemodynamic responses and recovery profiles of total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and alfentanil for outpatient surgery.

Methods: Patients in Group 1 (n = 20) received alfentanil 20 μg kg−1 followed by 2 μg kg−1 min−1 intravenously; patients in Group 2 (n = 20) received remifentanil 1 μg kg−1 followed by 0.5 μg kg−1 min−1 intravenously. Both groups then received propofol 2 mg kg−1 followed by 9 mg kg−1 h−1 intravenously. Five minutes after skin incision, infusion rates were decreased, and at the end of surgery, all infusions were discontinued. Early recovery was assessed by the Aldrete score, whereas intermediate recovery was assessed with the postanaesthetic discharge scoring system (PADS).

Results: Perioperative arterial pressure was similar in both groups; heart rate was lower in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The times to spontaneous and adequate respiration, response to verbal commands, extubation and times for Aldrete score ≥9 were shorter in Group 2 patients (P < 0.05). Pain scores were higher in Group 2 patients (P < 0.05). Overall times for postanaesthetic discharge scores ≥9 were similar.

Conclusions: Early recovery of patients after day surgery is significantly shorter after total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil compared with that with alfentanil but postoperative pain management must be planned ahead.