Inhibitory Effect of Remifentanil on Intraoperative Stress Response in Burn Patients Undergoing Escharotomy and Skin Grafting

Burns are among the most life-threatening forms of trauma requiring timely and effective treatment.

The present study aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of remifentanil on the stress response of burn patients undergoing escharectomy and skin grafting.

A total of 52 patients undergoing burn scab removal surgery were selected and randomly assigned to two groups: remifentanil group (group R) and fentanyl (group F). Anesthesia induction: Group R was administered an intravenous injection of propofol, rocuronium, and remifentanil, while Group F received an intravenous injection of propofol, rocuronium, and fentanyl. After tracheal intubation, group R was injected intravenously with remifentanil and propofol to maintain anesthesia. Group F was induced with fentanyl. Thereafter, the patient's blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Subsequently, their carotid artery blood was withdrawn, and they were tested for epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and blood glucose. Finally, the patients' eye-opening time and extubation time at the end of anesthesia were recorded.

After anesthesia induction, the mean artery pressure, HR, and E in group R were lower than those in group F. There was no statistically significant difference between the levels of NE in the two groups. Nonetheless, the eye-opening time and extubation time in group R were significantly shorter than those in group F.

Compared to fentanyl, remifentanil can more effectively reduce the stress response of surgery and anesthesia. It can integrate anesthetic drugs with blood pressure control. Furthermore, this method is simple, effective, safe, and reliable.