Comparison of use of Remifentanil versus Fentanyl in Postoperative Recovery in Patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy :A Quasi Experimental Study

Prolonged and inadequate recovery post surgery has always been a matter of concern for anesthesiologist and there has always been a continued search for drugs with short duration of action imparting early recovery post anesthesia.

Fentanyl (synthetic morphine analogue) an opioid, had been a popular option for post operative pain management. Its potency and duration of action can be advantageous in maintaining stable analgesia but when used for extended period, the risk of respiratory depression and delayed recovery remains there as it has prolonged context sensitive half life.

Remifentanil (4-anilidopiperadine), came to the clinical practice in the year 1996, for the use in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. its short half-life (8 -10 minute) and quick onset of action( 1 minute) allow for titrated management of analgesia while reducing the possibility of respiratory depression due to ultra short context sensitive half time( 3-4 minute).

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain, adversely affecting patient satisfaction as well as recovery.

Understanding these subtle differences can personalize opioid sclection and optimize patient exxperiences. The choice between remifentanil and fentanyl infusion in postoperative recovery depends on various factors like individual patient characteristics,