A randomized comparison of midazolam and diazepam for sedation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

One hundred and eighty-five patients were allocated at random to receive pethidine with diazepam (in an emulsion), or pethidine with midazolam i.v. as sedation for upper gastrointestinal endpscopy. Sedation and conditions for examination were comparablè and satisfactory in both groups. Midazolam produced more amnmia (P= <0.001), and scored higher in patients' opinion (P= <0.001); it was associated with a slightly greater frequency of venous sequelae, but the difference in thrombophlebitis was not statistically significant. Recovery of sensory - motor performance, as assessed by Trieger test, was still incomplete 2 h after endoscopy with, both drug regimens.