Oxycodone at 0.125 mg per kg dose is regarded as the most suitable dose for analgesia during perioperative phase of EIS for esophageal varices, as deduced from a study comparing the different doses of oxycodone published in the Medical Science Monitor journal.

The study population (119 patients) were divided into 3 groups as:

• Group A (40 patients), Midazolam and oxycodone 0.075 mg per kg;
• Group B (40 patients), Midazolam and oxycodone 0.1 mg per kg and;
• Group C (39 patients), Midazolam and oxycodone 0.125 mg per kg

Body movement during perioperative period was considered as the primary endpoint. Extra propofol usage; use of analgesics after the surgery; other adverse effects (myoclonus, hypoxia, and cough); and satisfaction scores for physicians and the patients were considered as the secondary endpoint.

As attained from groups A, B, and C, the rates of occurrence for body movement during the perioperative period were 33%, 13%, and 0, correspondingly. Patients in group C described the maximum satisfaction scores for physicians and patients. Before EIS, the rate of occurence for hypoxia were 15%, 8%, and 33% (P=0.026) and throughout EIS were 23%, 3%, and 0% (P<0.001). No significant differences between the group concerning other adverse effects were found.

Pain relief during Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy is dependent on the dose of the opioid medication used.