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Pain levels lower with propofol vs. sevoflurane after liver surgery

In a retrospective study, researchers found that patients who received total IV anesthesia with propofol experienced less pain post-liver surgery vs. patients who received sevoflurane.

Medical records of 1,282 patients who underwent liver surgery between 2010 and 2013 were evaluated, and researchers matched 95 patients anesthetized with propofol total IV anesthesia (TIVA) with 95 patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. The goal of the study was to evaluate numeric pain rating scale (NRS) scores during coughing and at rest, as well as daily, accumulative and total postoperative morphine consumption, side effects and patients’ satisfaction with pain relief.

Analyses showed that patients who received propofol TIVA had lower NRS pain scores during coughing on postoperative days 1 (mean 4.301) and 2 (mean 4; P < .05). However, no differences were seen between the two groups on day 3.

Patients who received propofol TIVA also consumed less daily (P = .001 on day 1, P = .0231 on day 2 and P = .0004 on day 3), accumulative (P = .001 on day 1, P < .0001 on day 2 and P = .0064 on day 3) and total morphine (P = .03) compared with patients in the sevoflurane group. There were no differences in total duration of morphine use, reported side effects or patient satisfaction. However, postoperative incidence of nausea, dizziness and pruritus was lower in patients who received propofol TIVA.

The researchers concluded: “Patients anesthetized with propofol TIVA reported less pain during coughing and consumed less daily, accumulative and total morphine after liver surgery.” – by Melinda Stevens

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.