Comparison of the Effects of Fentanyl and Midazolam as a Premedication in Children Undergoing Inguinal Hernial Surgery

Premedication with midazolam can occasionally result in increased pediatric anxiety. In this study, we compared the effects of intravenous midazolam and fentanyl as pediatric premedication in children posted for inguinal hernia surgery. In this double blind randomized clinical trial study, sixty pediatric patients were randomly allocated to two study groups. Anesthesia was similar in both groups. Sedation score by Richmond agitation sedation scale was repeatedly measured on arrival to the preoperative part of the operating room, during drug administration, separation of the child from parent for transfer to the operating room, induction of anesthesia, time of transfer to the recovery room and discharge from the recovery room. Post-operative nausea and vomiting was also recorded. The collected data was analyzed with SPSS 15 and P value<0.05 was considered meaningful. Baseline characteristics of the two study groups were similar. Mean RASS at separation of patients from parents; the time between the study drug administrations till separation from parents, induction of anesthesia and end of operation and need for additional drug during separation was significantly lower in the midazolam group. Opioid need in the fentanyl group was higher. Other findings were similar in the two groups. Use of fentanyl instead of midazolam as a premedication is not a priority in children posted for surgery.