Endoscopic procedures in the gastrointestinal tract represent an unpleasant and painful experience for a patient. Analgosedation allows for alleviation from dyscomfort associated with the procedure; the procedure can be performed easier and faster. Combination of midazolam with remifentanil or alfentanil, respectively, provided analgosedation deep enough for colonoscopy. This combination of drugs was associated with the least adverse effects. Recovery was faster in the group with remifentanil; the next hour, the results were comparable in both groups. Patients were discharged four hours after completion of the procedure. Combination of midazolam and remifentanil was also cheaper.

        Key words: ambulatory anaesthesia - benzodiazepines - opiates - recovery - complications