Alfentanil-Propofol Versus Sufentanil-Propofol Sedation on Postoperative Fatigue After Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Multicenter Randomized Control Trial.
Dig Dis SciMay 13, 2026 (epub)
Mengyi Li, Rui Zhang, Zongqin Zheng et al.
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In 30 seconds
This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluated postoperative fatigue (POF) in 248 patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy with either alfentanil-propofol or sufentanil-propofol sedation. The study found that alfentanil significantly reduced POF severity, with a mean Christensen Fatigue Scale score of 4.7 compared to 5.7 for sufentanil (P < 0.001).
Key findings
- Alfentanil group had a mean CFS score of 4.7 vs 5.7 for sufentanil (P < 0.001).
- 20.8% of alfentanil patients had CFS score ≥ 6 compared to 35.7% with sufentanil (P = 0.004).
- Recovery times were faster with alfentanil: awakening at 3.0 vs 5.5 minutes (P < 0.001).
- Adverse events were less frequent with alfentanil (15.2% vs 26.0%, P = 0.035).
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of different sedation protocols on postoperative fatigue can help clinicians optimize recovery for patients undergoing gastrointestinal procedures, potentially improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.