A Comparison Between Dexmedetomidine and Propofol-fentanyl Infusions for Sedation for Colonoscopy Procedures

Background: Different intravenous sedative drugs have been utilized for colonoscopy, with many anesthetists for conscious sedation or monitored anesthesia care. Aim of this study was the quality of colonoscopy and the incidence of adverse events such as respiratory depression, hemodynamic instability, and failure to provide adequate sedation. Patients and methods: Sixty patients of both sexes and 21-60 years old with ASA physical status I-II, were randomly assigned to receive either dexmedetomidine (D group) or propofol-fentanyl (PF group) infusions in equal numbers. Minimal infusion rates of dexmedetomidine (0.1-0.4 μg/kg/h) in the D group and fentanyl (0.01-0.05 μg/kg/min) in the PF group were continued during colonoscopy, which lasted approximately 30 minutes.