Patient-controlled application of remifentanyl during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

Purpose: The unsatisfying anesthesia for extracorporeal shockwave lithotrip sy and the resulting poor compliance of the patients induced us to choose a new form of anesthesia, which has been practiced in our hospital since 199 7. Materials and methods: A total of 60 consecutive patients received remifent anyl anesthesia during shock-wave lithotripsy. Monitoring included EGG. blo od pressure, and oxygen-pulse. Depth and subjective quality of anesthesia w ere matched by a visual pain scale. Results: There was no need for oxygen during anesthesia, since the medium r ate was almost 94%. The medium infusion rate was 0.12 mug/kg/min.. The qual ity of anesthesia, demonstrated on a 0-100 Visual pain scale, was excellent resulting in a medium value of 16.7 p.c. Conclusion: Remifentanyl applied continuously during shockwave lithotripsy, is an excellent drug for achieving complete pain control.