Small dose remifentanil infusion reduces the incidence of coughing during emergence after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of small dose remifentanil infusion during emergence of anaesthesia after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Methods Sixty patients scheduled for UPPP were randomly divided into two groups.All patients received propofol,fentanyl and atracurium for induction and intubation.After intubation,sevoflurane inhalation and remifentanil infusion were administered for maintenance of anaesthesia.After operation,remifentanil infusion was continued at a rate of 0.05 μg/(kg·min) in the remifentanil group,while saline was infused in the control group until extubation.The incidence of coughing,respiratory depression and deep sedation were observed and recorded. Results Twenty-eight patients in the remifentanil group and 29 patients in the control group completed the study.The incidence of coughing was significantly lower in the remifentnail group.There was no significant differences in the incidence of respiratory depression or deep sedation between the two groups. Conclusions 0.05 μg/(kg·min) Remifentanil infusion is effective for reducing the incidence of coughing during emergence of anaesthesia after UPPP without increasing incidences of side effects. Key words: Remifentanil; Emergence; Coughing