Comparing remifentanil versus propofol effect on pain and homodynamic change of patients undergoing phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare remifentanil versus propofol effect on pain and homodynamic in patients undergoing phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A double blind clinical trial was conducted to research following the approval of the ethical committee research of the university. One hundred volunteer subjects were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 50). The subjects in the propofol group received 3mg/kg/hr while the patients in the remifentanil drug received 3 μg/kg/hr of this medication. Phaco time, blood pressure and heart rate before and after surgery, respiratory depression (O2 sat < 90) and vomiting, pain scores, ophthalmologist satisfaction and demographic data were recorded. Results: The results of analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the age, sex, and duration of operation of the two treatment groups. Systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the propofol group.The propofol group complained of pain than the remifentanil group (P = 0.001) while the surgeon satisfaction was higher for the remifentanil condition (P = 0.01). No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to respiratory depression.No patient suffered from nausea and vomiting. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that using appropriate dose of remifentanil instead of propofol results in less pain, more stable homodynamic condition, and satisfaction of surgeon without no respiratory depression or perioperative nausea and vomiting. © 2013, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal