Effects of low-dose midazolam with propofol in patient-controlled sedation (PCS) for apicectomy

We studied the effects of low-dose midazolam with propofol for patient control sedation (PCS) in 30 healthy (ASA grade I) patients who were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=15 in each). They were given a propofol infusion of 2 mg/kg/h after a bolus dose of 0.7 mg/kg. The second group was given the 2 mg/kg/h propofol infusion after a dose of midazolam 0.03 mg/kg and a bolus dose of propofol 0.7 mg/kg. The standard dose for PCS was propofol 0.2 mg/kg in both groups. Clinical data were taken and haemodynamic variables, and oxygen saturation were recorded before and on the 5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes during the operations. The level of sedation, amnesia and conditions of each patient were evaluated during the study. Patients’ satisfaction was recorded using a modified visual analogue scale (VAS). All results were evaluated statistically. We conclude that low-dose midazolam with propofol during PCS neither reduced oxygen saturation nor prolonged the time of discharge. Low-dose midazolam with propofol also improved the acceptability and comfort for patients and made the operation easier, which makes it preferable to propofol alone