Induction with sevoflurane-remifentanil is comparable to propofol-fentanyl-rocuronium in PONV after laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare sevoflurane-remifentanil induction and propofol-fentanyl-rocuronium induction with regards to the frequency of moderate to severe postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the first 24 hr after laparoscopic day surgery.

METHODS: After informed consent, 156 ASA physical status class I to III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or tubal ligation were randomized to either induction with sevoflurane 8%, N(2)O 67% and iv remifentanil 1 to 1.5 microg.kg(-1) or induction with iv fentanyl 2 to 3 microg.kg(-1), propofol 2 mg.kg(-1), and rocuronium 0.3 to 0.5 mg.kg(-1). All patients received iv ketorolac 0.5 mg.kg(-1) at induction and sevoflurane-N(2)O maintenance anesthesia with rocuronium as needed. PONV was treated with iv ondansetron, droperidol, or dimenhydrinate; postoperative pain was treated with opioid analgesics. Patients were followed for 24 hr with regards to PONV and pain. Intubating conditions, induction and emergence times, time to achieve fast-track discharge criteria, and drug costs were measured.

RESULTS: No differences were seen between the two groups in their frequencies of 24-hr moderate to severe PONV and postoperative pain, or in their intubating conditions, induction and emergence times, and time to achieve fast-track discharge criteria. Patients undergoing sevoflurane-remifentanil induction received more morphine (11 mg vs 8 mg; P < 0.001) in the postanesthetic care unit. Sevoflurane-remifentanil induction resulted in similar anesthetic and total drug costs for both procedures.

CONCLUSION: We did not demonstrate any difference in PONV, pain, or anesthetic/recovery times or costs between the sevoflurane and propofol groups. Sevoflurane-remifentanil induction is a feasible technique for anesthetic induction.