Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil combined with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol for sedation in the elderly undergoing colonoscopy. Methods In this prospective randomized study, 60 patients undergoing colonoscopy and propofol TCI were randomly assigned to group F (fentanyl), group S (sufentanil) and group R (remifentanil)(each n=20). Patients in group F received a single bolus of fentanyl, while those in group S and group R received TCI sufentanil and remifentanil separately. The blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen content and Bispectral index (BIS) were monitored, and all the complications were recorded. Results All patients were adequately sedated. There were no significant differences in general conditions, hemodynamics changes, sedation depth and adverse event among the three groups (all P＞0.05). Time for recovery was longer in group F [(21.3±4.6) min] than in group S [(19.9±3.3) min] and group R [(15.9±1.8) min, P＜0.05]. Conclusions For the elderly undergoing colonoscopy, sedation with fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil combined with propofol TCI is feasible and safe. It is more excellent for the remifentanil group at shorter discharge time.

Objective To evaluate the effect of wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheters on the success rate of epidural catheterization in the patients undergoing caesarean section.Methods A total of 182 pregnant patients,aged 25-43 yr,with body height of 145-178 cm,weighing 51-100 kg,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective caesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia,were divided into 2 groups using a random number table:polyvinyl chloride epidural catheter group (group Ⅰ,n =94) and wire-reinfnrced polyurethane epidural catheter group (group 11,n=88).Spinal or epidural puncture was performed at L2,3 or L3,4 interspace,and the corresponding epidural catheter was inserted in each group aficr succcssful puncturc.Thc dcvclopment of difficult insertion,intravascular catheter insertion or paresthesia during puncture or insertion was defined as a failure of epidural catheterization.The occurrence of failed epidural catheterization was recorded.Results The failure rate of epidural catheterization was significantly lower in group 1Ⅱ than in gronp Ⅰ (P＜0.05).Conclusion Wire-reinforced polyurethane epidural catheters can raise the success rate of epidural catheterization in the patients undergoing caesarean section.