Abstract:Objective To compare the effects of ciprofol and propofol on the swallowing function of the pharynx in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy.Methods 237 patients who underwent painless gastroscopy from December 8, 2021 to December 8, 2022 were selected. The patients were divided into propofol group (group P, n = 121) and ciprofol group (group C, n = 116) by random number table method. In group P, the dose of propofol was 2.5 mg/kg by manual intravenous injection, and in group C, the dose of ciprofol was 0.6 mg/kg by manual intravenous injection. The injection time was more than 30 seconds. When the score of the modified observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation (MOAA/S) was ≤1, endoscopic examination was performed. Record hemodynamic indicators before anesthesia induction (T1), when the gastroscopy passed through the mouth (T2), when the gastroscopy exited (T3), when entering the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) (T4), and when leaving the PACU (T5), anesthesia-related conditions (examination time, total dose of sedative drugs and dose of supplementary sedative drugs, recovery time, duration of stay in the PACU), swallowing function [dysphagia severity scale (DSS) scores, penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), occurrence of laryngeal adductor reflex and cricoarytenoid joint laxity], and occurrence of adverse reactions (body movement, respiratory depression, apnea, respiratory depression, tract obstruction, bradycardia and postoperative dizziness).Results The incidence of severe dysphagia in group C was 12.9%, significantly lower than 33.1% in group P; The proportion of patients with PAS scores of 7 and 8 in group C was 12.9%, significantly lower than 33.1% in group P; The disappearance rate of laryngeal adductor reflex in group C was 37.1%, significantly lower than 56.2% in group P; The relaxation rate of the cricoarytenoid joint in group C was 42.2%, significantly lower than 56.2% in group P, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in hemodynamic indicators of the two groups of patients at different time points, examination time, recovery time and PACU stay time between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05). The total dose of sedative drugs and the dose of supplementary sedative drugs in group C were significantly less than those in group P, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of body movement in group C was 15.5%, significantly lower than 31.4% in group P; The incidence of apnea in group C was 0.0%, significantly lower than 5.0% in group P; The incidence of injection pain in group C was 5.2%, significantly lower than 66.9% in group P, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of respiratory depression, tract obstruction, bradycardia and postoperative dizziness between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05).Conclusion During gastroscopy, compared with the use of propofol alone, the application of ciprofol alone may be more beneficial for patients to retain a certain degree of swallowing function in a sedative state, and it can also reduce the occurrence of body movement and lower the risk of aspiration. It is worth applying in clinical practice.