Comparison of sevoflurane and propofol in combination with remifentanil on the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery

Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of sevoflurane + remifentanil (Sev + Rem) and propofol + remifentanil (Pro + Rem) on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery to determine which anesthesia regimen provides a better overall recovery experience. Methods Sixty patients were divided into two groups based on the treatments they underwent: Sev + Rem ( n = 30) and Pro + Rem ( n = 30). The Sev + Rem group received sevoflurane inhalation (0.5%, increasing to 0.5–4%) and remifentanil via target-controlled infusion. The Pro + Rem group received propofol 4–8 mg/(kg·h) and remifentanil via target-controlled infusion. Anesthesia depth was maintained at a bispectral index of 40–60 in both groups. Perioperative data, hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative recovery quality were assessed. Results Compared to the Pro + Rem group, the dose of remifentanil in the Sev + Rem group was significantly lower (1693.67 ± 331.75 vs. 2,959 ± 359.77, p 0.001), the proportion of patients used norepinephrine was markedly higher 16 (53.33) vs. 8 (26.67), p = 0.035, and the time of extubation was earlier (356.33 ± 63.17 vs. 400.3 ± 50.11, p = 0.004). The Hemodynamic results showed the HR in the Sev + Rem group was faster than that in the Pro + Rem group at the beginning of surgery and 1 h post-surgery (67.37 ± 4.40 vs. 64.33 ± 4.44, p = 0.010, 69.07 ± 4.23 vs. 66.40 ± 5.03, p = 0.030). In regard to the assessment of postoperative recovery quality, the emotional state scores in the Sev + Rem group were significantly lower than the Pro + Rem group (36.83 ± 2.79 vs. 39.50 ± 4.64, p = 0.009). Conclusion The two anesthesia modalities (Sev + Rem and Pro + Rem) have their advantages and disadvantages for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and have comparable effects on postoperative recovery quality.