Effect of Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol-Fentanyl versus Desflurane in Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing Major Hepatic Resection with Transoesophageal Doppler Monitoring A Randomized Control Study

Abstract

Background and aim: The choice of anaesthetic agents is important for cirrhotics undergoing liver resection. Aim is to compare Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) Propofol-Fentanyl versus Desflurane (Des) on recovery, hemodynamics monitored with Transoesophageal Doppler (TED), the effect on hepatocellular, kidney functions and economics. Patients and methods: Prospective randomized controlled study, 50 patients (Child A) divided equally. In (Des) group induction with fentanyl (1microgram/kg), propofol (2 mg/kg) and rocuronium (1 mg/kg) and maintenance with Desflurane. In (TCI) group the Propofol blood target concentration (Ct) for induction was set at 4 μg/min and Fentanyl infusion was set at 3 μg/kg for 30 seconds , 2 μg/kg/h for 30 min, 1.5 μg/kg/h from 31-150 min, and 1 μg/kg/h until 30 min before end. Both propofol and fentanyl maintained with Navigator pharmacokinetic software and Entropy guidance. TED, urinary micro albuminurea (microalb), blood Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were monitored. Results: Extubation time prolonged with TCI vs. Des (15.2 ± 2.6 vs. 9.7 ± 1.5 min respectively, (P<0.05). Postresection systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased significantly in both groups, but was better preserved with Des vs. TCI (836 ± 8 vs. 779 ± 36 dyn.sec.cm-5, P<0.01), this was reflected in higher mean blood pressure and stroke volumes (91 ± 3 vs. 81 ± 5 mmHg and 86 ± 3 ml vs. 78 ± 5 ml, respectively, P<0.01). Post-resection changes in GST and microalb were comparable between Des and TCI (GST: 441.0 ± 20.8 vs. 437.5 ± 22.2, IU/ml, P>0.05), (Microalb. 17.7 ± 2.5 vs. 18.64 ± 1.19, (μgm/ml) respectively, P>0.05). Des more economic than TCI (33.5 ± 8.2 vs. 69.1 ± 8.1 US Dollars), (P< 0.05) respectively during same surgical time and with comparable hemoglobin concentrations. Conclusion: Recovery was enhanced better with Desflurane. TED monitoring demonstrated a significant preservation of SVR and MABP post-resection with Des vs. TCI. Neither was superior to the other with respect to liver and kidney functions. Further studies on a larger scale are recommended.