Original Investigation

Sedation for Colonoscopy: Comparison of Remifentanil and Alfentanil Combined with Propofol/Midazolam

10.4274/imj.galenos.2019.26566

  • Şule Arıcan
  • Faruk Çiçekçi
  • Gülçin Hacıbeyoğlu
  • Çiğdem Sizer
  • Sema Tuncer Uzun
  • Ramazan Dertli
  • Muharrem Keskin

Received Date: 19.07.2019 Accepted Date: 05.10.2019 İstanbul Med J 2019;20(6):512-518

Introduction:

Different drug combinations are used in patients who underwent colonoscopy for safe sedation and early discharge. Remifentanil and alfentanil are short-acting narcotic analgesic agents. A short-acting anxiolytic agent, midazolam has a potent sedative efficiency when combined with narcotic analgesics. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two opioids that have not been previously compared in the literature, combined with propofol/midazolam in patients who underwent colonoscopy.

Methods:

One hundred eighty-nine patients aged over 18 years who underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic colonoscopy were included in the study. 1 mg midazolam + 5μg kg-1 alfentanil + 1 mg kg-1 propofol were administered in the alfentanil group (group A), while 1 mg midazolam + 0.1 μg kg-1 min-1 remifentanil + 1 mg kg-1 propofol were administered in the remifentanil group (group R). Hemodynamic data, Modified Steward scale (MSS), Visual Analog scale (VAS), additional propofol doses, total procedure time, awake time, recovery time, and side effects were recorded during the procedure. After the procedure, all patients were transferred to the recovery room, and the Modified Aldrete scale (MAS) values were recorded.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of total propofol and additional propofol doses (p<0.05), with additional propofol dose being higher in group A compared to group R (p<0.05). Awake time was similar between the groups. Recovery time was longer in group A compared to group R (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the side effects between both groups.

Conclusion:

Although the low dose of midazolam combined with propofol/remifentanil and propofol/alfentanil provided adequate sedation and analgesia, we believe that remifentanil is an ideal choice for daily procedures like colonoscopy because of its advantages resulting from its pharmacological properties.

Keywords: Alfentanil, colonoscopy, remifentanil, sedation

Introduction

Currently, colonoscopy is a standard imaging procedure used for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of many colorectal diseases (1). Safe sedation and early discharge are the essential parameters in daily procedures requiring sedation such as colonoscopy (2). Considering the increase in colonoscopies, there is an increasing demand for intravenous (IV) analgesics and sedatives. Increased demand and recent developments in the pharmacological area lead to the use of drugs with a broad therapeutic index, and the drugs are rapidly metabolized to inactive metabolites (3). The agents used for sedation should not cause respiratory depression, hemodynamic instability, and severe side effects (2). Therefore, propofol is increasingly used in many countries due to its excellent effect in moderate sedation, very short terminal half-life, rapid discharge, and rapid recovery from sedation (3,4). Remifentanil is a short-acting narcotic analgesic with a short elimination time under 10 minutes. Biotransformation is rapid and complete; therefore, the infusion time has a minimal effect on the awake time of patients (5). Alfentanil is a narcotic analgesic that has a rapid effect onset very short action time, and potency approximately 1/3 of fentanyl. Midazolam is a short-acting anxiolytic agent with a strong sedative effect when combined with IV narcotic agents. The combination of propofol with a low dose of short-acting opioids and benzodiazepine is a good alternative for safe sedation and analgesia without increasing the rate of adverse effects. The total propofol dose is reduced due to the synergistic effect of the drugs in this combination (6-9).

Unlike the other studies in adult patients who underwent colonoscopy procedure, in the present study, we aimed to compare additional propofol dose, awake times, recovery times, and side effects of low dose midazolam combined with propofol/alfentanil and propofol/remifentanil, in adult patients who underwent colonoscopy procedure.


Methods

The study was performed with the approval of the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine Ethical Committee (decision no: 2017/1109) in concordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was received from all patients. In this study, a prospectively stored database and medical records of patients who underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic colonoscopy in Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine between January 2017 and November 2017 were reviewed. We used G Power Software to determine the sample size. The sample size was calculated based on recovery time (10-12). We found that a total of 180 patients (90 patients for each group) would be needed to compare the two groups with 90% power, 5% type I error level, and 25% effect size for the F test. We enrolled 200 patients in accounting for the possibility of exclusion.

Patients who were aged over 18 years, had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III and who underwent colonoscopic examination for diagnosis and treatment under sedation with a low dose of midazolam combined with propofol/remifentanil and propofol/alfentanil, were included in the study. Patients aged less than 18 years, having ASA IV-V and patients with opioid and/or sedative addictions, pregnancy, psychiatric/emotional disorder, patients undergoing an emergency or inpatient colonoscopy, and other endoscopic procedures in addition to colonoscopy were excluded from the study. Patients with an incomplete procedure for any reason and patients with inadequate bowel preparation were excluded from the final analysis.

Two hundred patients who underwent colonoscopy under sedation with the combination of remifentanil-propofol-midazolam or alfentanil-propofol-midazolam were included in the study. Eleven patients were excluded from the final analysis (Figure 1).

The age, gender, body mass index, and ASA of one hundred eighty-nine patients were recorded. All colonoscopy procedures were performed by the same experienced endoscopist using high-resolution video colonoscopies (EC-530WL3, Fujinon, Fujifilm Corporation, Japan). All patients were monitored according to the ASA standards in the colonoscopy room. Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured and recorded (Petaş KMA 800). Measurements were repeated every 5 minutes during the procedure. Intranasal oxygen (6 L min-1) was administered to the patients. After peripheral IV cannulation, 6 mL kg-1 hr-1 standard saline infusion was initiated, and 1 mg midazolam (1 mg mL-1, 5 mL; Deva Holding, İstanbul, Turkey) was administered to all patients. Sedation was induced with 5µg kg-1 alfentanil (Rapifen® Johnson & Johnson, İstanbul, Turkey) + 1 mg kg-1 propofol (Propofol, Fresenius, İstanbul, Turkey) in the alfentanil group (group A), and 0.1 µg kg-1 min-1 remifentanil (Ultiva, Glaxo Smith Kline, İstanbul, Turkey) + 1 mg kg-1 propofol in the remifentanil group (group R). Propofol (10-20 mg) was added according to the Modified Steward scale (MSS) in order to maintain at 2-4 (Appendix 1) (13).

Additional propofol doses were recorded. The pain level of the patients was assessed by a Visual Analog scale (VAS) [no pain (0) - severe pain (10)] at every 5-minute interval during the colonoscopy procedure. Systolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg was accepted as hypotension, and HR under 50 beats min-1 was accepted as bradycardia. The fluid infusion rate of patients who developed hypotension was increased by three folds. An additional fluid infusion was continued for 10 minutes. Vasopressor (ephedrine) administration was planned in patients who had no response to liquid infusion. Atropine (0.01 mg kg-1; IV) was given to patients in case of bradycardia. SpO2 less than 90% was accepted as hypoxemia. When SpO2 was determined less than 90% during the follow-up, a jaw thrust maneuver was performed. If SpO2 persisted as less than 85% despite the jaw thrust maneuver, all of the infusions were stopped, and assisted ventilation was performed. It was planned that, if SpO2 less than 85% took more than 30 seconds, then the procedure would be interrupted, and an antagonist agent (flumazenil, naloxone) would be administered. Cardiopulmonary side effects (hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxemia), nausea, vomiting, and the treatment were recorded in all patients. The colonoscopic procedure was waited for 60 seconds after the administration of the drugs. Total procedure time was defined as the time between the initiation and completion of colonoscopy. Awake time was defined as the time from the end of colonoscopy until consciousness (0-4) score 4, according to the MSS, and the recovery time was defined as the time from the end of colonoscopy until Modified Aldrete scoring (MAS) 10 was achieved. After the procedure, all patients were transferred to the recovery room, and vital findings and MAS values were recorded. MAS, which is a 10-point scale, was used for assessing the recovery time (Appendix 2) (12). Patients were followed up until MAS 10 and then discharged.


Statistical Analysis

Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 20.00 software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences Inc. Chicago, IL). The continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or number (%); whereas categorical variables are expressed as number and percentages (%). The normality of the data was tested with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Since there was no normal distribution, continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of two groups and analysis of categorical variables were made using the chi-square test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.


Results

A total of 200 patients who underwent colonoscopy under sedation were included in the study. Eight patients from group A and three patients from group R were excluded from the study because of inadequate bowel preparation. Ninety-nine of the patients were male (52%), and the two groups were similar in terms of gender (p>0.05). The baseline characteristics of the patients were the same in the two groups (Table 1).

A statistically significant difference was determined between total propofol doses and additional propofol doses, with propofol doses being higher in group A than in group R (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in awake time between the groups (p>0.05). Recovery time was longer in group A than in group R (p<0.05). The mean total dose of sedatives and analgesics administered during mean procedural times are presented in Table 2.

In both groups, MBP and HR values decreased compared to baseline values, but mean arterial pressure, HR, and SPO2 values were not statistically significantly different between the groups.

No statistically significant difference was determined in the VAS and MSS scores between the groups. The VAS score range was 0-3 and 0-4 (mean ± SD: 0.16±0.45/0.21±0.41), while MSS score range was 1-3 and 1-4 (mean ± SD: 1.68±0.87/1.8±0.98) in the remifentanil and the alfentanil group, respectively.

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the MBP and SPO2 and HR values in the recovery room. Though a statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in MAS recovery scale values recorded in the recovery room (RR) at RR3rd, RR5th, RR10th, and RR15th minutes (p<0.05), while no difference was observed at other time points (Figure 2).

There was no bradycardia in any patients in group A, but two patients experienced bradycardia in group R (p=0.166). Three patients (3.3%) in group A and five patients (5.2%) in group R developed hypotension (p=0.721), and none of the patients required a vasopressor agent. The numbers of patients who experienced hypoxemia and underwent interventions were similar between the two groups. Sedation related complications are given in Table 3.


Discussion

In this study, though a significant difference was determined in additional propofol dose and recovery times compared to the remifentanil group and alfentanil group in adult patients during the colonoscopic procedure, there was no difference in awake times and side effects.

The use of propofol as the single agent has recently occupied a significant place for sedation of the patients under colonoscopy because of rapid awake and recovery times it provides and also its safety (14). However, the analgesic effect of propofol is limited, and higher doses that increase the risk of deep sedation are required when it is used as a single agent. Bolus administration related to a short half-life of propofol facilitates the occurrence of “sedation waves” via which deep sedation peaks and respiratory depression may be replaced by the risk for superficialization and agitation during colonoscopy (15). The addition of opioids and benzodiazepine to propofol for pain control during colonoscopy procedure increases the sedative effects of propofol, and thus provides avoiding of propofol overdose (16).

Patients sedated only with propofol need higher dose additional propofol than the patients sedated with the combination of alfentanil/midazolam and with midazolam alone (9). In a study with incremental propofol administration in the midazolam/fentanyl and midazolam/fentanyl/ketamine groups, propofol dose was found to be significantly lower in the second group (11). In the pre-anesthetic administration of fentanyl and propofol with and without midazolam, propofol consumption is lower in the midazolam (0.05 mg kg-1) group (17).

In our study, an additional dose of propofol was lower in the remifentanil group, compared to the alfentanil group.

In the case of midazolam alone for sedation, duration of hospitalization, and recovery time are prolonged (9). Whereas recovery times were similar in the combination of 1-2.5 mg midazolam with propofol and opioids (6,9,10), recovery time was prolonged when midazolam dose was used as 2.5 mg and higher (9).

The slow metabolization of benzodiazepines could prolong the recovery time, reducing the turnover rate and efficiency of the endoscopic unit (1). In the present study, midazolam was administered in all patients at 1 mg dose because of its effect on recovery time.

In a study comparing safety and effectiveness of small dose alfentanil and fentanyl at balanced propofol sedation for deep sedation, recovery time was around 15 minutes (10). Similarly, recovery time was found as around 15 minutes in balanced propofol sedation targeting moderate sedation for colonoscopy (1). It was underlined for the same result obtained in these two studies that only 1 mg administration of midazolam in the second study might provide an advantage on recovery time (10). In the present study, midazolam used at 1 mg revealed the difference between action times of opioids. Both short action time of remifentanil and a low additional dose of propofol have been effective in the short recovery time in group R.

In a study that combined midazolam and propofol with alfentanil, fentanyl, and remifentanil in order to maintain sedoanalgesia during cardioversion, it was shown that time of achieving MAS 8 was shortest in the remifentanil group and longest in the fentanyl group, and there was no statistical difference between alfentanil and remifentanil groups (8). In this study, no difference was found in the alfentanil and remifentanil since the additional dose of propofol was not administered, while in our study, this time was longer because of the high additional dose of propofol in the alfentanil group.

In our study, VAS and MSS values were observed as minimal in both groups, compatible with the literature (10).

The use of sedative agents improves endoscopic performance and increases compliance with the procedure. However, the probability of moderate complications related to sedation should be considered (18,19). Respiratory depression caused by sedation and hemodynamic instability can occur during colonoscopy, but the prevalence of adverse effects requiring antagonist agent is low (20). Drug-induced hypoventilation may cause hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention. Pulse-oximetry is a useful indicator of oxygenation (21). When propofol is administered concomitantly with an opioid, it causes less respiratory depression (8). In our study, patients were monitored with pulse oximetry, and no significant difference was observed in terms of SpO2 between the two groups. In our study, the blood pressure of patients was monitored non-invasively before, during, and after the procedure. Following drug administration, a reduction was observed in MBP and HR values compared to basal in both of the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the MBP and HR values between the groups at other times. Generally, 90 mmHg systolic blood pressure is adequate to perfuse tissues in the lying position. Lower blood pressure values cause inadequate perfusion and require intervention. A decline in HR and/or cardiac output volume decreases the blood pressure at the same time. Therefore, blood pressure and HR should be recorded before, during, and after the endoscopy. Also, a more profound fall in blood pressure may occur in the hypovolemic patient. Volume support can be beneficial; therefore, it can be suggested in order to prevent hypotension due to propofol (21).

None of our patients required antagonist agents, and there was no difference related to cardiovascular complications between the two groups. The complication rate was similar to other studies, complications were treated conservatively, and there was no need for endotracheal intubation (8,10).

There was no nausea and vomiting in our study groups. This might be due to the antiemetic effect of propofol. Studies have reported that propofol and the opioid combination provided not only analgesia and amnesia, but also decreased the frequency of nausea and vomiting (14,22). Nausea and vomiting are the common adverse effects of opioids. Excessive distension of the stomach and colon during the procedure can also cause nausea and vomiting (21).

The sedative patients were discharged from the RR when they met discharge criteria (23). The probability of early discharge from PACU is an essential feature in the care of outpatients and produces better service and lower costs (24). Time to discharge was determined as 15 minutes according to the Modified Post-anesthetic Discharge Criteria (11). In another study, time to discharge was determined as 20 minutes in patients administered deep sedation (25). In our study, time to discharge was determined as 15 minutes.


Study Limitation

There were limitations to our study. First, this study was performed in a center with only one gastroenterologist and anesthesiologist, and follow up was performed by an independent research nurse. Therefore, the results were difficult to generalize. A multiple-center clinical trial might solve this limitation.


Conclusion

In the present study, a low dose of midazolam combined with propofol/remifentanil and propofol/alfentanil provided effective sedation and analgesia. Less propofol consumption and shorter recovery times were observed in the remifentanil group. We believe that low dose midazolam combined with propofol/remifentanil is a vital anesthetic option in pain control during colonoscopy and can be safely and effectively used in daily practice because of its advantages related to the pharmacological characteristics of remifentanil.


Ethics Committee Approval: The study was performed with the approval of the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine Ethical Committee (decision no: 2017/1109).

Informed Consent: Written informed consent was received from all patients.

Peer-review: Externally peer-reviewed.

Author Contributions: Surgical and Medical Practices - R.D., M.K.; Concept - Ş.A., Ç.S.; Design - Ş.A., Ç.S.; Data Collection and/or Processing - F.Ç., G.H., R.D., M.K.; Analysis and/or Interpretation - G.H., R.D., M.K.; Literature Search - F.Ç., G.H., Ç.S.; Writing Manuscript - Ş.A., G.H., S.T.U.

Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.

Financial Disclosure: The authors declared that this study received no financial support.

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