SEDATION

Numerous controlled studies have shown comfort and satisfaction when using IV sedation during endoscopic procedures. The choice of operator-dependent sedation, but benzodiazepines are generally used alone or in combination with an opioid.

BENZODIAZEPINES

Are the most used, induce relaxation, cooperation, and occasionally produce transient amnesia. The dose varies according to age, weight, comorbid conditions, use of other drugs and the level of complexity of the procedure. Can cause respiratory depression. We recommend the use of midazolam IV at doses of 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg. Recommendation Grade A. Read the full story

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

It requires no sedation, only the use of topical pharyngeal anesthetic spray to reduce the gag reflex. Sedation is reserved for anxious patients or if the procedure is prolonged (therapeutic intervention).

COLONOSCOPY

It requires the use of sedatives and analgesics given the discomfort and pain very common during the course of this procedure.

SIGMOIDOSCOPY

It requires no sedation.

ERCP

Prolonged its duration, the potential inconvenience of this procedure requires sedation and analgesia. Read the full story

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedatives and analgesics by well-trained endoscopists has proven to be a safe. Significant complications can occur as a result of instrumentation, mainly bleeding, perforation and infection with a frequency of 0.1% for upper endoscopy and 0.2% for colonoscopy.

The risk for therapeutic procedures, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic emergency, may be much higher.

Elderly patients with concomitant medical problems or are at increased risk of complications from sedation. These patients require close monitoring during endoscopic procedures.

The use of patient monitoring equipment does not replace proper clinical evaluation prior to the use of sedatives and analgesics. Read the full story