BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane anesthesia is associated with emergence agitation in children. In this study, we compared the emergence and recovery profiles of children who received sevoflurane with fentanyl or alfentanil for inguinal herniorrhaphy.

METHODS: Forty-five children receiving sevoflurane anesthesia for inguinal herniorraphy were assigned to three groups. Saline 0.1 ml/kg (group S), alfentanil 10µgram/kg (group A) or fentanyl 1µgram/kg (group F) was administered intravenously at the beginning of fascia closure. Duration of operation and anesthesia and emergence time were evaluated at the operating room. Agitation score, a degree of pain, the time of stay in PACU (postanesthetic care unit) and postoperative side effects were evaluated by a blinded observer at the PACU.

RESULTS: The emergence time was prolonged in the group F compared to the other groups. The time of stay in PACU was prolonged in the group F compared to the group S. Group A and F had lower agitation score and pain score in comparison with that of the group S at the 0, 5, 10, 15 min in the PACU. Agitation score was also significantly lower in the group F compared to the group A at 30 min.

CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that intravenous administration of alfentanil 10µgram/kg or fentanyl 1µgram/kg at the closure of fascia could effectively reduce the agitation score. Alfentanil also does not delay from emergence and the time of stay in the PACU.