Diazepam and local anaesthetic spray versus general anaesthesia for gastroduodenoscopy

A randiomized, controlled trial was performed on 50 patients to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the intravenous injection of diazepam (Valium) plus local anaesthetic spray with those of general anaesthesia (methohexital (Brietal) plus succinylcholine (Scoline)) for gastroduodenoscopy. Careful records were kept of blood pressure, pulse rate nd ECG recordings before, during and after the procedure. In addition, the time taken to perform the procedure, the ease with which it was performed, and an interview with the patients before they left the hospital were recorded. Both procedures have advantages and disadvantges. While there is still a role for general anaesthesia when the endoscopist uses the large types of gastroduodenoscope, the advent of the more sophisticated paediatric endoscopes currently available makes it likely that in future general anaesthesia will rarely be necessary.