Midazolam combined with paracervical blockade compared to general anaesthesia for curettage of the uterus

Two anaesthetic techniques were compared in a randomized trial of 60 ASA I and II women admitted for diagnostic dilatation and curettage of the uterus. Group I had fentanyl 2.5 micrograms/kg and thiopentone 2 mg/kg i.v. Supplementary thiopentone 50 mg was given every 15 s until loss of the eyelid reflex. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide in oxygen 2/1 together with supplementary thiopentone 50 mg as required. Group II had midazolam 0.1 mg/kg i.v. and a supplementary 0.025 mg/kg every second min until sleep or dysarthria, followed by paracervical blockade with 1% mepivacaine 10 ml on each side of the portio. There was no significant depression of the cardiovascular system. The working conditions for the gynaecologist were good in both groups. The midazolam technique gave just as good amnesia as did general anaesthesia, and there was a high degree of patient satisfaction in both groups. In the thiopentone group there was a significant depression of the respiratory rate and a significantly higher frequency of adverse effects (nausea and vomiting) as compared to the midazolam group. It is concluded that paracervical blockade combined with midazolam, titrated i.v., until sleep or dysarthria, is a recommendable anaesthetic technique for diagnostic dilatation and curettage.