The Effects of Diazepam Administration on Hemodynamic Variables in Hypertensive Patients Who Undergoing Cataract Surgery

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of diazepam administration on perioperative blood pressure in hypertensive patients who undergoing cataract surgery. Eighty controlled hypertensive patients who underwent cataract surgery under topical anesthesia and conscious sedation were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly divided to two equal size group for administration of diazepam 0.05 mg/kg (n=40, diazepam group) and midazolam 0.01 mg/kg (n=40, midazolam group) in order to conscious sedation. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded preoperatively as baseline value, and then 5, 10 and 15 minutes after diazepam or midazolam administration. There were no difference between two groups in terms of systolic, diastolic and heart rate preoperatively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was decreased significantly more in diazepam group compared to midazolam group perioperatively. Heart rate did not change significantly in both groups. Oxygen saturation of blood was decreased in both groups but not statistically significant.  Systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability during each period intraoperatively was lower in diazepam group compared to another group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of patients during recovery room in diazepam group was lower than midazolam group. In hypertensive patients who undergoing cataract surgery with topical anesthesia, administration of diazepam in order to conscious sedation is an effective and safe method with less perioperatively side effects.