Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives
Remimazolam is a novel ultra–short‐acting benzodiazepine that may offer advantages over conventional sedatives in endoscopic procedures. Evidence for its use in pancreatobiliary endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is limited. We compared the efficacy and safety of remimazolam and midazolam in outpatient pancreatobiliary EUS.
Methods
This retrospective study included outpatients undergoing diagnostic pancreatobiliary EUS between July 2024 and July 2025. Patients received either remimazolam (initial 0.2 mg/kg, top‐up 0.1 mg/kg [high‐risk patients: 0.16 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg]) or midazolam. The target sedation depth was Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation ≤3, procedures were performed without supplemental oxygen, and pentazocine was co‐administered. The primary outcome was rapid recovery (meeting all criteria: modified Aldrete score ≥6 at 5 min, ≥9 at 30 min, ambulation ≥3 m at 30 min). Secondary outcomes included sedation success (all: EUS completion, without >2 top‐ups within 10 min, without rescue sedation, without agitation requiring interruption), recovery time, flumazenil use, and adverse events.
Results
We analyzed 139 patients (remimazolam,
n
= 75; midazolam,
n
= 64). Rapid recovery was more frequent with remimazolam (70.7% vs. 25.0%,
p
p
= 0.005), recovery was shorter (median 34 vs. 55 min,
p
p
2
p
= 0.707), but all episodes were mild and reversible with airway support/oxygen. Hypotension was rare and comparable.
Conclusions
Remimazolam provided faster recovery and higher sedation success than midazolam in outpatient pancreatobiliary EUS. Supplemental oxygen before sedation is a reasonable option to enhance safety.