The use of propofol and remifentanil in children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination of propofol and remifentanil deep sedation in spontaneously breathing children undergoing upper and/or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods The effect of propofol and remifentanil sedation was prospectively studied in 50 unpremedieated children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.Anesthesia was induced with propofol(2 mg/kg) firstly and then maintained with an infusion of propofol[50～80 μg/(kg ·min)] and remifentanil [ 0.05～0.1 μg/(kg · min) ].Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded every 5 min for each child.In addition, recovery and discharge times were recorded.Results 49 procedures were completed with no complications.The combination of propefol and remifentanil resulted in a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure,and respiratory rate.There was no respiratory depression or oxygen desaturation in any child.A bolus of propofol(1 mg/kg) was necessary in one child for excessive movement.No patients experienced any side effects in the recovery period.Conclusion The combination of propofol and remifentanil for sedation in children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy can be considered safe, effective and acceptable. Key words: Children ; Endoscopy; Propofol ; Remifentanil