Inhalation of low-dose desflurane prevents the hemodynamic instability caused by target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and propofol during laparoscopic gynecological surgery: A randomized controlled trial

The objective of the present study was to determine whether the addition of inhaled desflurane is superior to remifentanil-propofol total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) alone in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. A total of 60 patients who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gynecological surgery were prospectively enrolled and randomly allocated to receive either propofol-remifentanil (PR group; n=30) or combined propofol-remifentanil and low-dose desflurane (PRD group; n=30) for the maintenance of anesthesia. Hemodynamics [mean arterial pressure (MAP); heart rate (HR)], recovery parameters and complications were recorded. The results of the present study indicated that the addition of desflurane significantly reduced the amount of propofol and remifentanil that was administered in the PRD group, compared with that in the PR group. MAP and HR were significantly higher at T3 (5 min post-pneumoperitoneum), but significantly lower at T4 (removal of pneumoperitoneum needle) and T5 (post-operation immediately) in the PR group, compared with the PRD group. Moreover, MAP and HR were significantly altered at multiple time points within the PR group; however, they were relatively stable in the PRD group. There were no significant differences in the recovery parameters and complications between the two groups. In conclusion, combining low-dose desflurane with PR may represent an efficient anesthesia regimen to prevent the hemodynamic instability of TIVA in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.