Efficacy of an Oxycodone-Propofol Combination versus a Fentanyl-Propofol Combination in Conscious Sedation during Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Elderly Patients

<b><i>Background:</i></b> With a rapidly aging population, the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasing. The commonly used sedation anesthesia in ERCP is a combination of propofol and fentanyl, even though fentanyl may cause some adverse reactions such as respiratory depression. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oxycodone combined with propofol versus fentanyl combined with propofol for sedation anesthesia during ERCP. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 193 patients aged from 65 to 80 years undergoing ERCP were enrolled and randomized into two groups: an “oxycodone combined with propofol” group (group OP, <i>n</i> = 97) and a “fentanyl combined with propofol” group (group FP, <i>n</i> = 96). The rate of perioperative adverse events as well as the recovery time, patients’ satisfaction, and endoscopists’ satisfaction were noted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no difference in the frequency of hypotension or bradycardia between the two groups, but there were more episodes of desaturation (SpO₂ &#x3c;90% for &#x3e;10 s in 8.3%), postoperative nausea (7.3%), and vomiting (5.2%) in group FP than in group OP. Patients’ satisfaction in group FP was lower than that in group OP. The recovery time was longer in group FP than in group OP. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Oxycodone combined with propofol was effective in ERCP, with a low incidence of perioperative adverse events.