Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oocyte retrieval is a part of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures performed on an ambulatory basis. Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with opioid is shown to improve quality of recovery (QOR) after ambulatory surgery. Opioid-free anaesthesia (OF) is gaining popularity in recent times as it is associated with lesser post-operative side effects related to opioids. Quality of recovery is considered as one of the principal end points in ambulatory surgery. AIM: To compare quality of recovery using QOR-15 questionnaire between opioid-free TIVA and opioid-based TIVA at 24 h after oocyte retrieval. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective randomised control study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty six patients undergoing oocyte retrieval were prospectively selected. They were randomised into two equal group. OF TIVA group with dexmedetomidine (D) and propofol or opioid-based TIVA with fentanyl (F) and propofol. The primary outcome measured was quality of recovery using QOR-15 at 24 h after oocyte retrieval. Secondary outcomes measured were incidence of bradycardia, post-operative nausea and vomiting, usage of rescue analgesia and total consumption of propofol. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in total QOR-15 was observed between two groups (p value = 0.021) at 24 h post-operatively. Usage of rescue analgesia and incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting was less in opioid-free TIVA. CONCLUSION: Opioid-free TIVA improves post-operative QOR in patients undergoing oocyte retrieval.