Remifentanil versus Fentanyl for Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Effect on Hemodynamic Recovery from Anesthesia and Outcome of ART Cycles

Background: We conducted this study to compare the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and recovery from anesthesia in women who received opioid analgesia with remifentanil versus fentanyl. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out in the Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran. We studied 145 women who were participants in an ART program. During the first phase of the study, all patients underwent induction of anesthesia with thiopental and received analgesia with remifentanil or fentanyl. The primary endpoint was pregnancy rate per transfer. The numbers of oocytes collected, fertilized and cleaved were recorded, as was the number of oocytes transferred and recovery profile. In the second phase of the study, all patients were followed for outcome of ART cycle. Results: This study suggested that in women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval procedures, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy was higher with a remifentanil-based monitored anesthesia care (MAC) technique than with a fentanyl-based MAC technique. The recovery from anesthesia was significantly better in the remifentanil group versus fentanyl group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that remifentanil in clinical practice is superior to fentanyl (Registeration Number: IRCT201009283468N3).