Fentanyl versus remifentanil during laparoscopic gallbladder removal: effects on bowel recovery and pain
Effects of Intraoperative Fentanyl vs. Remifentanil on Postoperative Bowel Function and Pain Outcomes in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This compares fentanyl and remifentanil given during elective laparoscopic gallbladder removal to see which leads to faster bowel recovery and better pain control in adults 18–65.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Konya City Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karatay, Konya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07182097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled comparison assigns adults undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy to receive either intraoperative fentanyl (bolus + infusion) or remifentanil (bolus + infusion) as their opioid component of anesthesia. The trial tracks postoperative bowel function (for example time to first flatus/bowel movement) and pain scores and analgesic needs in the early postoperative period. Investigators aim to balance remifentanil's rapid metabolism against its potential to cause opioid-induced hyperalgesia and higher postoperative opioid requirements, while considering fentanyl's tendency to accumulate with longer infusions. Single-center recruitment is at Konya City Hospital with standard inclusion and exclusion criteria to limit confounders like prior abdominal surgery or chronic opioid use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, who are opioid-naïve and have no major liver, renal, or gastrointestinal disease.
Not a fit: Patients with prior abdominal surgery, preexisting gastrointestinal disease, chronic opioid use, significant liver or kidney failure, emergency procedures, or surgeries expected to last over 90 minutes are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, selecting the opioid that speeds bowel recovery and reduces pain could shorten hospital stays and lower postoperative opioid needs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have compared remifentanil and fentanyl for pain and recovery with mixed results and limited, inconclusive data specifically addressing postoperative bowel recovery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II * Scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Opioid use preoperatively * Previous abdominal surgery * History of ileus or gastrointestinal disease * Preoperative electrolyte imbalance * Liver or renal failure * Neuromuscular or psychiatric disorders * Known allergy to study medications * Emergency surgery * Surgical duration exceeding 90 minutes
Where this trial is running
Karatay, Konya
- Konya City Hospital — Karatay, Konya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mustafa Büyükcavlak, Md
- Email: mustafabcavlak@gmail.com
- Phone: +905064733392
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.