Sedation for Stereotactic Headframe Application: A Randomized Comparison of Two Techniques

Abstract

A prospective, randomized study was performed in 87 patients to compare the safety, efficacy and dose requirements of two sedation techniques for stereotactic headframe application. Sedation administration and headframe application averaged 30 min. Fifty patients weighing 76 ± 13 kg (mean ± SD) received mean doses of 154 µg fentanyl plus 5.5 mg droperidol i.v. (FD group). An additional 37 patients weighing 76 ± 19 kg received mean doses of 127 µg fentanyl plus 6.7 mg Valium® (diazepam; FV group). Both treatments provided excellent hemodynamic stability and a Iow incidence of adverse side effects while providing adequate analgesia and sedation. The incidence of anesthetist-assessed patient anxiety and discomfort was more favorable in the FD group.