Comparing Two Regimens of Remifentanil-Propofol and Alfentanil-Propofol in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background and

General anesthesia for oocyte retrieval may interfere with outcomes and success rate of assisted reproductive technology. This study was performed to compare the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology in women regarding recovery time, patient satisfaction and postoperative side effects using remifentanil-propofol and alfentanil-propofol.

We studied 102 women who were scheduled for oocyte retrieval. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. General anesthesia was performed with remifentanil-propofol (group I) or alfentanil-propofol (group II). The numbers of oocytes collated, fertilized, transferal and pregnancy rate were recorded. Hemodynamic variables, patient satisfaction, recovery time and side effects were also recorded.

There were no significant differences in oocytes collected and pregnancy rates between the two groups. But fertilization was significantly higher in remifentanil-propofol group (P= 0.01). The recovery of patients in remifentanil-propofol was significantly rapid (P= 0.01). Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, postoperative satisfaction and side effects were found to be similar in both groups.

Remifentanil-propofol is of great benefit in providing an earlier recovery, however, both remifentanil-propofol and alfentanil-propofol regimens are suitable for oocyte retrieval.