Optimal dose of fentanyl for the prevention of emergence agitation after desflurane anesthesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation frequently occurs after desflurane anesthesia in children. We designed this study to find the optimal dose of fentanyl for the prevention of emergence agitation after desflurane anesthesia in children for tonsillectomy. METHODS: Eighty-one patients (3-10 yr) receiving desflurane anesthesia for tonsillectomy was randomly allocated to one of 3 groups. Fentanyl 1 microg/kg (group 1, n = 26), 2 microg/kg (group 2, n = 27), 3 microg/kg (group 3, n = 28) was administered intravenously just before inducing anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane. The recovery characteristics, such as the time to first movement, extubation and discharge from the recovery room were assessed. And patients reported their frequency of emergence agitation and severity of postoperative pain at recovery room. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the three groups regarding the time to extubation and discharge from the recovery room. The incidence of emergence agitation was 42% in group 1, 25% in group 2, 10% in group 3 and that was significantly lower in group 3 than in group 1 (P < 0.05). The incidence of severe pain was lower in group 3 than in group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing tonsillectomy with desflurane anesthesia, 2 microg/kg and 3 microg/kg of fentanyl given just before induction had a reduced incidence of emergence agitation without a delay in recovery.