DIAZEPAM PREMEDICATION AND AWARENESS DURING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA FOR BRONCHOSCOPY AND LARYNGOSCOPY

Abstract

Diazepam was used for premedication in 120 patients before bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy. Awareness was reported by 2 patients (1.6%). This result is not statistically significantly different from the 4% incidence demonstrated in a previous study using pethidine with atropine or hyoscine for premedication. Subjectively, amnesia for the events in theatre was impressive. Diazepam premedication was well tolerated. It is intended to continue its use in this hospital as the standard premedication for these procedures when the apnoeic oxygenation technique is employed.