Comparison of propofol-remifentanil and sevoflurane-fentanyl anesthesia in recovery from general anesthesia following strabismus surgery

Abstract

Objective To compare the time to the recovery of saccadic eye movements in patients between propofol-remifentanil and sevoflurane-fentanyl anesthesia. Methods Sixty adult patients undergoing strabismus surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: Group R (propofol-remifentanil, n = 30) in which patients were performed induction and maintenance of anesthesia by propofol-remifentanil and Group S (sevoflruane-fentanyl, n = 30)in which patients were performed induction by propofol-fentanyl and maintenance of anesthesia by sevoflruane. Recovery from anesthesia was measured from the time when all anesthetics were turned off and was assessed every 2 min. Recovery time was attained when patients were able to generate brisk saccadic eye movements. At recovery time the ophthalmic evaluation was started. Results The mean recovery time of saccadie eye movements was significantly shorter in the Group R compared to the Group S [(14.72 ± 5.10) min vs (23.43 ± 5.52) min, P = 0.000]. More patients in Group S experienced nausea and vomiting postoperatively as compared to Group R(37% vs 10%, P = 0. 037). Conclusions Propofol-remifentanii anesthesia is a better technique in strabismus surgery when immediate postoperative ophthalmic evaluation is desired. Key words: Strabismus; Anesthetics, general; Eye movements; Sevoflurane; Propofol ; Remifentanil