Clin Endosc.  2014 Mar;47(2):129-134. 10.5946/ce.2014.47.2.129.

Endoscopist-Directed Propofol: Pros and Cons

• Kim EH
• Lee SK

• KMID: 2048999
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2014.47.2.129

Abstract

Concerns about the safety of endoscopist-directed propofol (EDP) have been voiced that propofol should be given only by healthcare professionals trained in the administration of general anesthesia. Here we discuss the safety and drawbacks of EDP for routine endoscopic procedures. Currently, both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy are well tolerated and accepted by both patients and endoscopists due to the application of sedation in most clinics worldwide. Accordingly, propofol use is increasing in many countries. It is crucial for endoscopists to be very familiar with the use of propofol or a combination of drugs. However, the controversy regarding the administration of sedation by an endoscopist or an anesthesiologist continues. Until now, there have been no randomized control trials comparing sedation induced by propofol administered by an endoscopist or by an anesthesiologist. It might be difficult to perform this kind of study. For the convenience and safety of sedative endoscopy, it would be important that EDP be generally applied to endoscopic procedures, and for more safety, an anesthesiologist may automatically take care of particular patients at high risk of suffering from propofol side effects.

Keyword

Conscious sedation; Gastroenterology; Propofol

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General
Conscious Sedation
Delivery of Health Care
Endoscopy
Gastroenterology
Humans
Propofol*
Propofol

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