ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Propofol is usually used for anesthesia in the case of day surgery. We studied the effects of propofol plus fentanyl for sedation and the effect of oxygenation during gastroscopy. METHODS: 154 patients who asked conscious sedation during gastroscopy were randomly divided into three groups. The first group (PF-O group, 50 patients) and the second group (PF group, 48 patients) were received an initial bolus dose of propofol (40 mg) plus fentanyl (50 microgram) intravenously, followed by additional doses of propofol at one minute interval until conscious sedation. PF-O group was received preoxygenation (3 L/min) via nasal canula, and PF group was not. The third group (56 patients) received an initial bolus dose of midazolam (3 mg) intravenously, followed by additional doses of midazolam at two minutes interval (M group). RESULTS: In PF-O group, time to achieve sedation, regain orientation, and recover walking ability were 118.0 85.2 sec, 67.5 91.2 sec and 11.1 5.3 min. Gag reflex during the procedure was absent or nearly absent in 96% of patients. Despite the changes of blood pressure and heart rate compared to the values taken prior to the procedures were observed, all values were not clinically significant. In PF-O group, transient oxygen desaturation (SaO2<90%) was observed in four (8.0%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol plus fentanyl with oxygenation seems to be more acceptable and suitable method for sedation during outpatient gastroscopic examination.