Low-dose of propofol combined with sufentanil for intravenous anesthesia during endoscopic variceal ligation

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined therapy of low-dose of propofol and sufentanil for sedation in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL). Methods:Forty-six patients with cirrhosis scheduled for EVL were randomly divided into groupⅠ and groupⅡaccording to the drug combination and dosage. Group Ⅰwere injected with fentanyl 1. 5 g/kg and propofol 0. 8-1. 2 mg/kg, and the endoscope was inserted after the patients had lost eyelash reflex and response; groupⅡ were given sufentanil 0. 12 g /kg and propofol 0. 25-0. 5 mg/kg, and the endoscope was inserted when the OAA/S score reached 3. The heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and blood oxygen saturation were monitored;the duration of the endoscopy procedure, recovery time, adverse reaction, intraoperative bleeding, the patients' postoperative feeling and the doctors' satisfaction score were also recorded. Results:No significant changes were noted in the blood pressure and heart rate of the patients in groupⅡafter induction(P0. 05), whereas the patients in groupⅠhad a higher incidence of hypotension(35. 7% vs 5. 5%)(P0. 05). The recovery time in group Ⅱ was shorter than that in groupⅠ(P 0. 05). There were no significant differences in the duration of endoscopy procedure and the patients/doctors' satisfaction scores between the two groups(P0.05). Conclusions:Low-dose of propofol combined with sufentanil can provide better hemodynamic stability and less respiratory depression than the general anesthesia in cirrhotic patients undergoing EVL.