Inhalation Sedation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mo, JinA

Abstract

PURPOSE
The safety and effectiveness of inhalation sedation, a technique that enables sedation using the inhalation of an anesthetic in an out-of-theater environment was evaluated in this study.
METHODS
Electronic literature databases were used to identify the safety assessments and the tests for efficacy of inhalation sedation. Data was retrieved from 1980 to 2017. Safety assessment was based on identifying complications encountered during treatment, and included assessment of the concentration of inhalation anesthetic in the air, gaseous exposure, cardiac index and blood test results, and effectiveness was based on the depth of sedation, degree of pain experienced by the patient, and medical outcomes.
RESULTS
The safety of inhalation sedation was similar to intravenous sedation. However, inhalation sedation should be used with caution as repetitive interventions increased liver toxicity, as indicated by the Gasification Force Test Inhalation sedation was clinically effective, and demonstrated a similar depth of sedation, with equally effective pain relief compared with intravenous sedation. In addition, the time taken for cannula removal, and for recovery were typically faster.
CONCLUSION
Inhalation sedation was safe and effective and provided similar results to intravenous sedation. However, physicians should be aware that when using inhaled anesthetics, hepatotoxicity has been reported so liver function should be carefully monitored.