Diazepam was administered as an adjunct to endoscopic premedication in 260 patients undergoing examination in both in- and outpatient settings.
The technic entailed intravenous administration of diazepam plus meperidine just prior to instrumentation. Satisfactory results were obtained in 87.7% of the subjects (179 patients).
Intravenous diazepam alone was administered to 6 patients just prior to endoscopy. This was not found to allow satisfactory examinations, since the gag reflex was not obliterated.
Evaluation of diazepam by double-blind technic in 50 patients showed that only 55% of the endoscopic examinations were satisfactory in the placebo group, and 76.6% in the diazepam group.
Diazepam is a useful adjunct to endoscopic premedication since it induces sedation and voluntary muscle relaxation without increasing the dangers of cardiovascular collapse and respiratory arrest. When combined with meperidine it offers a practical technic for preparing patients for endoscopic examination without the need for general or local anesthesia, or large doses of potentially harmful drugs.