Comparative study of remifentanil versus fentanyl for intra-operative analgesia during general anaesthesia. A retrospective comparative study at Bmims Pawapuri.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2365Keywords:
Remifentanil, Fentanyl, General Anaesthesia, Post Anaesthesia Care Unit, Haemodynamic Stability, ExtubationAbstract
Background
Remifentanil and fentanyl are frequently used opioids for intra-operative analgesia, with differing pharmacokinetic profiles that may influence recovery and haemodynamic stability.
Methodology
A retrospective comparative study was conducted at BMIMS Pawapuri from August to October 2025 involving 70 adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Patients were grouped into remifentanil (n=35) and fentanyl (n=35). Mean age was comparable between groups (remifentanil: 42.3 ± 11.2 years; fentanyl: 44.1 ± 10.6 years), with male predominance (58.6%). Outcomes included extubation time, PACU stay, haemodynamic stability, hypotension, and PONV.
Results
Extubation time was significantly shorter in the remifentanil group (8.4 ± 1.8 min) compared to fentanyl (12.8 ± 3.0 min; p<0.001). PACU stay was reduced (62.6 ± 18.3 vs 84.4 ± 18.0 min; p<0.001). MAP stability was higher with remifentanil (77.1 ± 10.2% vs 71.3 ± 11.1%; p=0.024). Hypotension (25.7% vs 20.0%, p=0.78) and PONV (22.9% vs 8.6%, p=0.19) showed no significant difference.
Conclusion
Remifentanil provided faster recovery and improved haemodynamic control with similar safety outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dhananjay Kumar Suman, Khushbu Rani, Preeti Sinha
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