Comparison of the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on surgeon satisfaction with surgical field visualization and intraoperative bleeding during rhinoplasty

Objective We aimed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine with remifentanil on hemodynamic stability, surgical field quality, and surgeon satisfaction during rhinoplasty. Methods and materials In this double-blind randomized controlled-trial, 60 participants scheduled for rhinoplasty at the Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, was randomely divided into the dexmedetomidine group (IV infusion of 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine over 20 min before induction of anesthesia then 0.6 μg/kg/hr. dexmedetomidine from the time of induction until the end of the operation) or in the the remifentanil group (an infusion rate of 0.25 μg/kg/min from the time of anesthesia induction until the end of the operation). Bleeding volume, surgeon satisfaction, postoperative pain (visual analog scale (VAS)), Level of sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS)), Patient satisfaction, Vital signs & recovery, and the Aldrete Score (used to discharge the patients from recovery) were measured for all participants. Results The patients in the dexmedetomidine group had less bleeding (p = 0.047) and shorter time to return of respiration, extubation, and the postoperative recovery time (p < 0.001). The surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). VAS scores, intaking paracetamol, and RASS score were significantly lower in the remifentanil group (p < 0.001). SBP, DBP, MAP, and heart rate were lower in dexmedetomidine group. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine was associated with relatively stable hemodynamics, leading to decreased intraoperative bleeding, recovery time, and greater surgeon satisfaction and the level of consciousness in the recovery ward. However, painlessness and patient satisfaction were greater with the use of remifentanil. Trial registration IRCT20141009019470N112.

Use of Remifentanil Associated with Lidocaine for Feticides in Late Terminations of Pregnancy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In France, performance of a termination of pregnancy is legally possible without any gestational age limit. After 22 weeks of gestation, a feticide is ethically performed using usually sufentanil and lidocaine. The aim of this study was to compare the use of remifentanil, a fast-acting morphine-derivating product, instead of sufentanil. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This 2-center randomized, controlled, single-blinded phase-III treatment trial had 2 parallel arms: an experimental group using remifentanil with lidocaine versus a control group receiving sufentanil associated with lidocaine. This trial took place over a 40-month period. The primary outcome was time to fetal asystole after lidocaine injection. The secondary outcome measures were the procedure’s success rate, the rate of serious maternal side effects, and the presence of cellular or tissue modifications. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study included 66 women, randomized into 2 groups of similar size and characteristics. Time to fetal asystole did not differ significantly between the groups, with a delay of 4 min (Q1−Q3, 2–11) in the sufentanil group and 4 min (Q1−Q3, 1–10) in the remifentanil group (<i>p</i> = 0.84). Similarly, the success rate of the procedure did not differ significantly. Fetal asystole was procured in &#x3c;2 min and persisted &#x3e;1 min for 16 (25.8%) women in our total population: 7 (22.5%) in the sufentanil group and 9 (29.0%) in the remifentanil group, <i>p</i> = 0.77. No severe maternal side effects were observed. Among the 49 fetopathological examinations performed, the few tissue and cell modifications observed did not cause any interpretation difficulties in either group. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Use of remifentanil instead of sufentanil for feticide procedure did not improve time to fetal asystole. No harmful effect was observed for either maternal tolerance or interpretation of the histologic slides.

Comparison of the effect of dexmedetomidine with remifentanil on pain after lumbar laminectomy in patients under general anesthesia

Backgrounds and objectives: Acute postoperative pain is still an issue in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy surgery. We compared the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on pain intensity as well as the analgesic requirements in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 60 patients in the age range of 20 to 60 years with ASA class one and two of the American Anesthesia Association under elective lumbar vertebrae laminectomy. Patients were divided into two groups: Remifentanil (group R) and Dexmedetomidine (group D). Before induction of anesthesia in R group patients, 0.01 می g / kg / min remifentanil was used. In group D, 0.3 dexmedetomidine was injected from µg / min / 50kg using a syringe pump. Postoperative pain score, nausea, and vomiting, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate at recovery times, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Results: The propofol infusion rate was significantly lower in the DEX group than in group R (P = 0.001). Pain scores except for 6h after surgery was significantly lower in group DEX. Analgesic consumption was significantly lower in group DEX (P=0.021). Mean arterial pressure during surgery, after laryngoscopy, and recovery was significantly lower in group DEX (P<0.05). The mean heart rate after laryngoscopy was significantly lower in group DEX (P=0.033). Conclusion: Intraoperative infusion of DEX improved hemodynamic parameters during surgery and decreased pain score, morphine use after lumbar laminectomy surgery.

Postoperative Analgesia with Remifentanil vs Morphine-Metamizole Following Cardiac Surgery

Background: Pain management after cardiac surgery has been based on parenteral long-acting opioids such as morphine. The other alternative is remifentanil. We compared the efficacity of remifentanil vs morphine -metamizole for post cardiac surgery pain relief. Methods; Twenty patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, receiving standardized propofol–fentanyl and propofol based anesthesia, remifentanil group (Group R, n = 10) and fentanyl (Group F, n = 10). Postoperative analgesia was provided in R group initially with remifentanil and later with morphine-metamizole and in F group immediately after operation. Pain was controlled by visual observation, questioning, in rest and during coughing, with a score (0-3). Results; There is no difference in time of extubation between groups but, pain score was much higher in F (3-9) group in first hour compared with R group (0-4). Morphine requirements was higher in (R) after remifentanil was stopped, in a first hour, but was lower after 24 hours compared with F group. Conclusion: Use of remifentanil is associated with lower scale of pain in postoperative period and lower morphine requirement after 24 hours, when analgesia treatment was changed.

Comparison of the Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil on Pain Control After Spinal Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: A variety of spinal surgery procedures are performed on patients with different cardiac, vascular, and respiratory comorbidities. Postoperative pain management is a major determinant of hemodynamic and respiratory status in these patients and promotes clinical results, prevents complications, saves health services, and improves the quality of life of patients. Objectives: We compared the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on pain control after spinal surgery. Methods: Sixty patients aged 18 - 65 years undergoing spinal surgery were randomized into the two groups of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil. The dexmedetomidine group (group D, n = 30) received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.6 mcg/kg/h), and the remifentanil group (group R, n = 30) received remifentanil infusion (0.1 mcg/kg/min) from induction of anesthesia until extubation. Propofol (1.5 mg/kg) and fentanyl (2mcg/kg) were used to initiate anesthesia, and propofol (100 - 150 mcg/kg/min) was infused to maintain anesthesia. Postoperative pain, hemodynamic parameters, and recovery characteristics were evaluated after surgery. Results: The mean pain intensity in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than in the remifentanil group (2.98 ± 1.29 vs. 3.80 ± 1.1; P < 0.001). Hemodynamic changes in the dexmedetomidine group (MAP: 92.60 ± 5.56, HR: 73.07 ± 7) were less, and their condition was significantly more stable than in the remifentanil group (MAP: 93.85 ± 4.78, HR: 79.15 ± 7.03; P < 0.05). The mean arterial oxygen saturation (O2 sat) in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly higher and more stable than in the remifentanil group (98.87 ± 0.51 vs. 97.92 ± 0.46; P < 0.05). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). The administration of analgesics in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) was significantly higher in the remifentanil group than the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.016). Conclusions: Anesthetic maintenance with either dexmedetomidine or remifentanil infusion until extubation provided more smooth and hemodynamically stable conditions, without complications. However, dexmedetomidine provides better analgesia, causes a more stable hemodynamic state, and reduces postoperative nausea-vomiting, shivering, and the need for analgesics.

A Comparison between Total Intravenous Anaesthesia Using Propofol plus Remifentanil and Propofol plus Sevoflurane in Children undergoing Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy：A Randomized, Single-Blind Study

BackgroundFibreoptic bronchoscopy is an important used to evaluate and manage paediatric patients with respiratory disease.This study aimed to compare the effect of two different anaesthesia methods, propofol combined with remifentanil and propofol combined with sevoflurane, on children undergoing fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB).Method:Sixty children were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In the remifentanil group (Group R), the patients were induced with 4 mg•kg− 1 propofol + 4 µg•kg− 1 remifentanil (slow intravenous injection) and maintained with 0.3–0.5 µg•kg− 1•min− 1 remifentanil. In the sevoflurane group (Group S), the patients were induced with 2 mg•kg− 1 propofol and 8% sevoflurane and maintained with 4–6 vol% sevoflurane. Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP) and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored and recorded at four time points: baseline (T0), when the bronchoscope reached glottis (T1), the time of lavage (T2), and the time of brush biopsy (T3). Waking time and the satisfaction score of physicians were recorded, and emergence agitation (EA) was evaluated in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Finally, any supplementary medicine or adverse events were also recorded.ResultsCompared with group S, the waking time was significantly shorter and the incidence of EA was significantly lower in Group R. During bronchoscopy, significant differences in MAP or HR were not observed between the two groups at T0. Compared with group S, the HR of group R was significantly decreased at T1, T2 and T3, and MAP was significantly decreased at T1, but the fluctuation range was within 20% of the baseline. A significant difference in SpO2 was not observed between the two groups at any time point. No significant differences in the operation time of FOB, the incidence of complications, such as moving, hypoxemia, bronchospasm, and bucking, or the level of satisfaction were observed between the two groups.ConclusionsTotal intravenous anaesthesia using propofol plus remifentanil in children undergoing fibreoptic bronchoscopy potentially reduces the waking time and decreases the incidence of EA to improve the work efficiency and turnover rate of the outpatient operating room.Trial registrationRegistered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) (ChiCTR1900026098).

Remifentanil provides an increased proportion of time under light sedation than fentanyl when combined with dexmedetomidine for mechanical ventilation

Objective To compare the effects of remifentanil versus fentanyl during light sedation with dexmedetomidine in adults receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the use of remifentanil versus fentanyl in adults receiving MV with dexmedetomidine sedation. The primary outcome was the proportion of time under light sedation (Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale score between −1 and 0) during MV. Results We included 94 patients and classified 58 into the remifentanil group and 36 into the fentanyl group. The mean proportion of time under light sedation during MV was 66.6% ± 18.5% in the remifentanil group and 39.9% ± 27.3% in the fentanyl group. In the multivariate analysis with control for confounding factors, patients in the remifentanil group showed a significantly higher proportion of time under light sedation than patients in the fentanyl group (mean difference: 24.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval: 12.9–35.8). Conclusions Remifentanil use might increase the proportion of time under light sedation in patients receiving MV compared with fentanyl administration.

Balanced Opioid-free Anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine versus Balanced Anesthesia with Remifentanil for Major or Intermediate Noncardiac Surgery

Background It is speculated that opioid-free anesthesia may provide adequate pain control while reducing postoperative opioid consumption. However, there is currently no evidence to support the speculation. The authors hypothesized that opioid-free balanced anesthetic with dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative opioid-related adverse events compared with balanced anesthetic with remifentanil. Methods Patients were randomized to receive a standard balanced anesthetic with either intraoperative remifentanil plus morphine (remifentanil group) or dexmedetomidine (opioid-free group). All patients received intraoperative propofol, desflurane, dexamethasone, lidocaine infusion, ketamine infusion, neuromuscular blockade, and postoperative lidocaine infusion, paracetamol, nefopam, and patient-controlled morphine. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative opioid-related adverse events (hypoxemia, ileus, or cognitive dysfunction) within the first 48 h after extubation. The main secondary outcomes were episodes of postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results The study was stopped prematurely because of five cases of severe bradycardia in the dexmedetomidine group. The primary composite outcome occurred in 122 of 156 (78%) dexmedetomidine group patients compared with 105 of 156 (67%) in the remifentanil group (relative risk, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.33; P = 0.031). Hypoxemia occurred 110 of 152 (72%) of dexmedetomidine group and 94 of 155 (61%) of remifentanil group patients (relative risk, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.40; P = 0.030). There were no differences in ileus or cognitive dysfunction. Cumulative 0 to 48 h postoperative morphine consumption (11 mg [5 to 21] versus 6 mg [0 to 17]) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (58 of 157 [37%] versus 37 of 157 [24%]; relative risk, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.90) were both less in the dexmedetomidine group, whereas measures of analgesia were similar in both groups. Dexmedetomidine patients had more delayed extubation and prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay. Conclusions This trial refuted the hypothesis that balanced opioid-free anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, compared with remifentanil, would result in fewer postoperative opioid-related adverse events. Conversely, it did result in a greater incidence of serious adverse events, especially hypoxemia and bradycardia. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Effect of adding dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental in patients with mood disorder candidate for electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the appropriate treatments for many neuropsychiatric patients, especially those with mood disorders. Short-term complications of ECT include agitation and postictal. In this study, we compared the addition of dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental as the main anaesthetic used in ECT. In this double-blind randomised clinical trial, 90 patients with mood disorders (candidates for ECT) were divided into two groups based on their therapy: dexmedetomidine or remifentanil. In the first group (DG), patients were slowly injected intravenously with 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction of anesthesia. In the second group (GR), 100 μg of remifentanil was slowly injected intravenously.In addition, we collected demographic information such as respiratory rate, heart pulse rate, seizure time, mean of arterial blood pressure, recovery duration and the oxygen arterial saturation recorded after recovery. Data obtained were analysed by use of statistical software, SPSS-23. The mean age of both groups was approximately 37 years with the majority being men. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex, blood pressure, heart rate, duration of seizures and arterial oxygen saturation before ECT. The mean blood pressure and heart rate in the recovery group were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group and the hemodynamics in the dexmedetomidine group were more stable. The recovery time in the dexmedetomidine group was longer than that of the remifentanil group (p = 0.001). Both groups had approximately the same satisfaction and the rate of agitation after ECT was the same. Both remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants lead to a decrease in patients' post-ECT hyperdynamic responses. In our study, we demonstrated that the effect of dexmedetomidine is greater than remifentanil. On the other hand, neither dexmedetomidine nor remifentanil had a negative effect on seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged recovery time, when compared to remifentanil.

Effect of adding dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental in patients with mood disorder candidate for electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the appropriate treatments for many neuropsychiatric patients, especially those with mood disorders. Short-term complications of ECT include agitation and postictal. In this study, we compared the addition of dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental as the main anaesthetic used in ECT. In this double-blind randomised clinical trial, 90 patients with mood disorders (candidates for ECT) were divided into two groups based on their therapy: dexmedetomidine or remifentanil. In the first group (DG), patients were slowly injected intravenously with 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction of anesthesia. In the second group (GR), 100 μg of remifentanil was slowly injected intravenously.In addition, we collected demographic information such as respiratory rate, heart pulse rate, seizure time, mean of arterial blood pressure, recovery duration and the oxygen arterial saturation recorded after recovery. Data obtained were analysed by use of statistical software, SPSS-23. The mean age of both groups was approximately 37 years with the majority being men. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex, blood pressure, heart rate, duration of seizures and arterial oxygen saturation before ECT. The mean blood pressure and heart rate in the recovery group were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group and the hemodynamics in the dexmedetomidine group were more stable. The recovery time in the dexmedetomidine group was longer than that of the remifentanil group (p = 0.001). Both groups had approximately the same satisfaction and the rate of agitation after ECT was the same. Both remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants lead to a decrease in patients' post-ECT hyperdynamic responses. In our study, we demonstrated that the effect of dexmedetomidine is greater than remifentanil. On the other hand, neither dexmedetomidine nor remifentanil had a negative effect on seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged recovery time, when compared to remifentanil.