Anxiolysis with oral midazolam in pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures

Background: Pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures often experience high levels of anxiety. Oral midazolam is a short-acting b enzodiazepine that can ameliorate procedure-related anxiety. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of oral mid azolam as an adjuvant anxiolytic agent for pediatric patients undergoing de rmatologic surgical procedures. Methods: A prospective series of pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures who received oral midazolam were monitored, and effica cy and complications were recorded. Results: Oral midazolam provided good to excellent anxiolytic effects in mo st pediatric patients undergoing painful dermatologic surgical procedures. Because midazolam does not provide analgesic effects, local anesthesia is n ecessary. Complications were uncommon and minor. Conclusion: Oral midazolam is an effective anxiolytic agent in pediatric pa tients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.