Anesthetic techniques for cystoscopy in men.

A double-blind parallel group study was done on 80 men undergoing cystoscopy for the first time to compare the sedative and amnesic properties of midazolam and diazepam, administered with and without meperidine as an adjunct to local anesthesia for cystoscopy. Patients tolerated cystoscopy better with intravenous sedation. Premedication with 25 to 50 mg. meperidine does not add significant analgesia or sedation to intravenous diazepam or midazolam, nor does it substitute for intravenous sedation. Midazolam is superior to diazepam in increasing sedation, and decreasing pain and procedure recall. If midazolam continues to be as safe clinically as diazepam it certainly would seem superior for intravenous sedation in the patient undergoing urologic instrumentation.