Both remifentanil and sevoflurane are known for their rapid recovery characteristics, and the bispectral index (BIS) has been used as an indicator of the sedative state during anesthesia. Therefore, it is expected that if they are used together, the anesthetic-sparing effect of remifentanil and titration of the sevoflurane concentration using the BIS monitor will contribute to a faster recovery. This study examined the effect of a remifentanil infusion on the hemodynamics, the decrease in the sevoflurane concentration, and the recovery from BIS-guided sevoflurane anesthesia.

Thirty patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were assigned to receive a remifentanil (0.1µg/kg/min) (Group I) or saline infusion (Group II) with sevoflurane. The sevoflurane concentration was adjusted to maintain a BIS value between 40 and 60. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, BIS, and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration were recorded during anesthesia. The eye opening time and the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and shivering were checked.

During anesthesia, the hemodynamics were more stable in Group I than in Group II with the reduced use of cardiovascular drugs. The BIS value was lower and the end tidal sevoflurane concentration was higher in group II than in group I. Group I had a shorter eye opening time and there was a similar incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and shivering in both groups.

A remifentanil infusion with BIS-guided sevoflurane anesthesia produces more stable hemodynamics, reduced sevoflurane concentration, and a more rapid recovery without side effects than in BIS-guided sevoflurane anesthesia alone.