The respiratory effects of diazepam supplementation of spinal anaesthesia in elderly males

Abstract

In 15 elderly male patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery under lumbar sub-arachnoid or epidural analgesia, Paco2 determinations were performed before and at intervals following the intravenous injection of a sleep dose of diazepam. No statistically or clinically significant changes in Paco2 were observed and it was concluded that diazepam in a dose of 0.32 mg/kg, did not produce respiratory depression. Prolonged recovery and postoperative amnesia were observed as possible disadvantages of the use of this technique in elderly patients. © 1974 John Sherratt and Son Ltd.