Sedation with etomidate-fentanyl versus propofol-fentanyl in colonoscopies: A prospective randomized study

Abstract Background: The combination of propofol-fentanyl for sedation during colonoscopy is characterized by the frequent incidence of side effects. Etomidate-fentanyl provides fewer hemodynamic and respiratory complications. The aim of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of propofol-fentanyl and etomidate-fentanyl for conscious sedation in elective colonoscopy. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients aged between 18 and 55 years old who were candidates for elective colonoscopy. Patients were randomized to receive sedation with fentanyl plus propofol or etomidate. Two minutes after injecting 1 micro/kg of fentanyl, the patients received propofol (0.5 mg/kg followed 25 micro/kg/min) or etomidate (0.1 mg/kg followed 15 micro/kg/min). Pulse rate, mean arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2) were monitored. Indeed, the patient and colonoscopist satisfaction, the recovery time, sedation and pain score in both groups were assessed. Results: Sedation score in propofol group was higher. Pain score as well as the physician and patient satisfaction showed no significant difference in two study groups. Hemodynamic changes and arterial saturation were the same in both groups. The duration of recovery was 1.27±0.82 minutes in the etomidate group whereas, it was 2.57±2.46 minutes in the propofol group (P=0.001). Hospital discharge in the propofol group was 5.53±4.67 minutes and in the etomidate group was 2.68±3.14 minutes (p=0.001). Conclusion: The combination of fentanyl and etomidate provides an acceptable alternative to sedation with fentanyl and propofol with the advantage of significantly faster recovery time, which are of relevance in the outpatient setting.