Abstract: To explore the effects of remifentanil combined with propofol or etomidate in providing conscious sedation for awake craniotomy in eloquent cortex surgery. MethodsThirty patients undergoning glioma removal in the cerebral cortical functional area were randomly divided into two groups: the etomidate group and the propofol group (n=15). The status of eloquent areas mapping, respiratory variables and hemodynamic stability were assessed, also the recall time and complications were documented. Results There were no differences in status of eloquent areas mapping or hemodynamic and respiratory variables between the two groups. Respiratory complications occurred in 1 patient in the propofol group, but there were significant differences in recall time between the two groups (etomidate, 321?s; propofol, 410?s). ConclusionEtomidate and propofol are good in the status of eloquent areas mapping, but etomidate is superior to propofol in recall time.

Key words: Disoprofol, Etomidate, Awake craniotomy, glioma, Status of eloquent areas mapping