Opioid analgesia for hysterosalpingography: controlled double-blind prospective trial with remifentanil and placebo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

A hysterosalpingogram is an integral part of the evaluation of infertility, however, it is often painful.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous infusion of remifentanil in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG). We randomly allocated 62 patients scheduled for HSG to receive either a continuous infusion of 0.25 microg.kg(-1) of remifentanil or placebo. The degree of pain was documented via 10-cm visual analog scales (VAS). Patients' discomfort, side effects and recovery times were also recorded.

RESULTS:

The VAS scores during HSG were 1.25 +/- 1.31 in the remifentanil group and 4.78 +/- 1.7 in the placebo group (p < 0.001). There were more patients in the remifentanil group that rated their condition as excellent (p < 0.001). The groups did not differ with regard to the incidence of side effects. The recovery times were found statistically longer in the remifentanil group (14 +/- 5 vs. 10 +/- 3 min). All the patients were discharged 30 min after the procedures without any side effects.

CONCLUSION:

Remifentanil infusion during HSG is superior to placebo for relief of pain with minimal opioid side effects.

• Authors: Mustafa Cengiz, Hasan Kafali, Hulya Artuc, Zeynep Baysal
• Journal: Gynecologic and obstetric investigation (Gynecol Obstet Invest) Vol. 62 Issue 3 Pg. 168-72 ( 2006) ISSN: 0378-7346 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16710092 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Analgesics, Opioid
• Piperidines
• Remifentanil

Topics

• Adult
• Analgesics, Opioid (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hysterosalpingography (methods)
• Pain (prevention & control)
• Pain Measurement
• Piperidines (administration & dosage)
• Prospective Studies
• Remifentanil