Conscious sedation of pediatric patients with combination oral benzodiazepines and inhaled nitrous oxide

BACKGROUND. Pediatric patients undergoing surgical procedures may experienc e considerable anxiety. Use of conscious sedation may be helpful in managin g mild to moderate anxiety. OBJECTIVE. TO assess the effectiveness of combination oral benzodiazepines and inhaled nitrous oxide conscious sedation in pediatric surgical patients . METHODS. Eleven episodes of conscious sedation in eight pediatric patients were prospectively monitored, with recording of indications, patient charac teristics, clinical scenarios, surgical procedure, sedative regimen, qualit y of sedation, and complications. Extensive training in conscious sedation had been obtained, and emergency preparedness was at a high level. RESULTS. Combination oral benzodiazepines and inhaled nitrous oxide produce d good to excellent results in all patients but one, Complications were unc ommon and mild. No emergency intervention was necessary. CONCLUSION. Monitored use of a combination of oral benzodiazepine and low t o moderate concentrations of inhaled nitrous oxide can provide safe and eff ective conscious sedation in pediatric patients. Training in conscious seda tion and emergency preparedness are essential.