Comparing the Effects of Fentanyl and Sufentanil on Hemodynamic Parameters and Acute Pain Intensity after Deep Vitrectomy Surgery

Abstract

Background: The postoperative pain is a common problem after vitrectomy. Sufentanil and fentanyl are two highly effective opioid analgesics. In this study, we assessed the effect of these two drugs on reducing pain and hemodynamic changes in patients after deep vitrectomy. Methods: This double-blinded randomized clinical trial study was performed on 70 patients undergoing vitrectomy. Patients were divided into two groups receiving intravenous fentanyl (2 μg/kg) or sufentanil (0.2 μg/kg). The drugs were administrated before induction of anesthesia, and 15 minutes before the ending of surgery. The data of this study were compared in two groups. Findings: The mean postoperative pain intensity (VAS) in the sufentanil group was significantly lower than the fentanyl group at the time of entering the recovery (P = 0.001), immediately before exiting of recovery (P < 0.001), and 8 hours after the surgery (P < 0.001). But, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding postoperative pain after 24 hours (P = 0.550). Conclusion: Fentanyl and sufentanil are effective in reducing postoperative pain, and have similar results. The analgesic effect of sufentanil is more pronounced in the early hours after the surgery.

Keywords

• Fentanyl
• Sufentanil
• Postoperative pain
• Vitrectomy