Abstract
The efficacy and safety of sedation with intravenous administration of diazepam and pethidine hydrochloride were prospectively evaluated in 20 consecutive patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Patients were premedicated with atropine sulfate and hydroxydine. After topical anesthesia with lidocaine, diazepam and pethidine hydrochloride were administered intravenously with different doses according to age. Those under 65 received 10mg diazepam and 35mg pethidine hydrochloride, those aged between 66 and 75 received 5mg and 35mg respectively and those aged 76 and over received 5mg/0mg. After recovery patients recorded their degree of comfort, memory, and the acceptability of the procedure. Over 90% of the patients had amnesia and all the patients answered that the examination was comfortable. All except one, who had severe cough after bronchoscopy, had no objection to re-examination. Elevation of the heart rate and the respiratory rate were observed during the examination, although arterial oxygen saturation and blood pressure were stable. No arrhythmia or respiratory suppression was found. We conclude that this sedative method for fiberoptic bronchoscopy is not painful but comfortable for the patients and safe even for elderly patients.
