[The effect of midazolam on blood circulation and respiration during spinal anesthesia in urology]

Ten urological patients with spinal anesthesia were sedated with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg i.v. A similar group (n = 10) was given placebo instead of midazolam (2 ml 0.9% NaCl). Patients who received midazolam slept lightly but were rousable. During the operation 2 l/min oxygen was administered via a nasal cannula; pO2 and pCO2 remained within normal limits throughout the procedure. No cardiovascular side effects such as hypotension or other reaction such as vomiting, nausea, or confusion were observed after midazolam. At the end of the operation all patients were fully awake and cooperative.