Objective
This study was conducted to compare two techniques of sedation for obese patients undergoing ERCP, using either ketofol or fentanyl–propofol as regards propofol consumption, recovery time, patients’ satisfaction, and sedation-related adverse events.
Materials and methods
Two hundred obese patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups; ketamine/propofol (ketofol) group KP ( = 100) or fentanyl/propofol group FP ( = 100). The level of sedation was adjusted to achieve a Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score of 5.
Results
Total dose of propofol consumed was significantly higher in group FP compared with group KP (97.08 ± 23.31 mg and 57.71 ± 16.97) mg. Recovery time was slightly longer in group KP compared with group FP (11.19 ± 2.59 min and 9.43 ± 1.23 min, respectively), time needed to achieve Aldrete Recovery Scale Score of 9 was comparable in both groups, and sedation-related side effects as hypotension, bradycardia, apnea, and reduction of SpO were more significant in the FP group.
In conclusion
Ketamine/propofol combination 1:4 provided better sedation quality than fentanyl/propofol combination with less side effects and can be safely used for sedating obese patients undergoing ERCP.