Comparison of the effects of two anesthesia maintenance methods by remifentanil or halothane on endoscopic sinus surgery condition

Introduction: Endoscopic surgery is a new standard method of treatment for chronic sinusitis. During this operation even small amount of bleeding may reduce the visual field of surgeon significantly and make the procedure troublesome. In this study we have compared the operative condition between patients who receive either remifentanil or halothane for general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 60 patents. Pre- medication was done by fentanil and midazolam and induction was done by propofol and atracurium. Halothane or remifentanil was used in two groups of patients respectively for anesthesia maintenance. Monitoring was performed during anesthesia. Bleeding volume was measured and operation field condition was assessed by the surgeon. Results: Personal characteristics such as age and sex were the same in both groups. Intra- operative systolic blood pressures was significantly lower in remifentanil group but diastolic and mean blood pressure and heart rate didn’t change after induction and during maintenance in both groups. Recovery time in remifentanil group was also significantly shorter than halothane group. Finally bleeding volume was lower and operation field condition was better significantly in remifentanil group. Conclusion: Remifentanil is a good choice to maintain an ideal anesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery.