Comparison of recovery after anesthesia with remifentanil infusion versus halothane in children undergoing strabismus surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare recovery after anesthesia with remifentanil infusion versus halothane for strabismus surgery

METHODS: This study was performed from September 2004 to March 2005 in Tabriz Nikookary Hospital, Tabriz, Iran on children aged 2-12 years scheduled for strabismus surgery randomized into 2 groups of 25 patients each: the H group in which anesthesia was maintained with halothane and the R group in which anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil.

RESULTS: There was no meaningful difference in extubation time after discontinuing drugs between the 2 groups (p=0.14). However, there was a significant difference in the time of purposeful movements, proper oxygenation, consciousness, and discharge from the post anesthetic care unit between the 2 groups, all being shorter in group R. Also in group R, the time to spontaneous breathing return was longer, cases of neuromuscular reversal were fewer and cases of limb movements were more than group H.

CONCLUSION: Maintenance of anesthesia with remifentanil in children aged 2-12 years undergoing strabismus surgery provided desired hemodynamic status and shorter time of discharge criteria.