[Oral premedication with diazepam]

A double blind study has been carried out on patients scheduled for appendicectomy. They were divided into two groups who were given diazepam as premedication either orally or intramuscularly. The clinical effects were measured with regard to anxiolysis, gastric contents volume and acidity. Orally premedicated patients were not significantly less anxious. No significant differences between both groups concerning gastric contents (volume and pH) were found. Therefore, oral premedication did not increase the risk of inhalation. Taking into account the previous findings in the literature, the pharmacological advantages of the oral route and the lack of complications, a wider use of oral premedication for elective operations in adults is recommended.