The effect of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using conscious sedation with propofol

Choi, Woo Hyuk; Kim, Sung Wook; Lee, Yeoung Sil; Park, Youn Sun; Doh, Yun Jeong; Park, Jae Suek; Son, Sug Man; Kim, Joon Hyung; Jung, So Yean; Kim, Nam Il; Suh, Jeong IlI; Lee, Chang Woo; Yang, Chang Heon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Propofol can be used to provide general anesthesia or sedation. The objectives of this study were to assess propofol as sedative agents for outpatient GI endoscopy, amnestic effects, hemodynamic state and oxygenation during the procedure.
METHODS
From April and June 2000, 50 patients scheduled outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this study. 30 healthy outpatients requesting sedation at diagnostic gastroscopy were received a bolus dose of propofol 2.5 mg/kg and compared with 20 patients with non-sedation. Pulse rate, blood-pressure and arterial oxygen saturation was monitored.
RESULTS
Statistically significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation were observed since 5 min after endoscopy in patients receiving propofol (p=0.006). Patients receiving sedative endoscopy, pulse rate during endoscopy was significantly increased compared with propofol group (p=0.009). Patients receiving propofol are more tolerable than patients with non-sedative endoscopy (p=0.001), therefore all patients receiving propofol wanted the same sedative endoscopy in their next endoscopy.
CONCLUSION
Propofol is believed to be a useful, safe sedative agent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with satisfactory sedation and conditions. However, due to its untoward effect of hypoxia, careful monitoring is recommended.