Esketamine vs. sufentanil for quality of recovery after outpatient gynecological surgery: a randomized clinical trial.
Ann MedSep 4, 2026 (epub)
Xu-Lin Wang, Yan-Na Li, Qiao-Ling Ma et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effects of esketamine versus sufentanil on quality of recovery in 126 patients aged 18-65 undergoing outpatient gynecological surgery. The primary outcome, quality of recovery on postoperative day 1, showed no significant difference between groups (QoR-15 score: 137.9 vs. 137.8; p = 0.93).
Key findings
- Esketamine group had a longer PACU stay (median, 28.0 vs. 23.0 min; p < 0.001).
- Severe injection pain was lower in the esketamine group (22.6% vs. 50.8%; p = 0.002).
- Higher proportion of patients in the esketamine group had pain scores ≥ 4 at 30 min postoperatively (30.6% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.001).
- Fatigue scores were higher in the esketamine group (median, 3.0 vs. 2.0; p = 0.01).
Why it matters
Understanding the comparative effects of esketamine and sufentanil on recovery can inform anesthetic choices in outpatient gynecological procedures, potentially impacting patient comfort and satisfaction.