Comparison of meperidine-midazolam and propofol-fentanil sedation in patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy

Background and Colonoscopy is an invasive short-lasting procedure causes the patient's considerable pain, discomfort and anxiety. Therefore, various types of sedation and analgesia techniques have been used during the procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation/analgesia of propofol-fentanyl and midazolam-meperidine combinations in patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. Eighty-three patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy under sedation were enrolled in this randomized double-blind study. In propofol-fentanil group, patients received fentanyl (1 µg/kg) and propofol (0.5 mg/kg) followed by an infusion of 25 µg/kg/min. Group midazolam-meperidine received meperidine (0.7 mg/kg) with midazolam (0.03 mg/kg). The assessment included measurements of quality of sedation, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and evaluation of the recovery time. The systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and percent of blood oxygen saturation (SPO2) remined stable during the procedure. Sedation level was higher in propofol-fentanil group. Recovery time was 12.68 ± 4.90 and 25.75 ± 2.07 minutes in the propofol-fentanil and midazolam-meperidine groups, respectively (P = 0.023). Propofol-fentanil can provide better sedation, satisfaction and analgesia than midazolam-meperidine during colonoscopy. Therefore, it can be recommend in patients scheduled for elective colonoscopy.