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Sedation for Endoscopy

Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures includes the administration by any route or technique of all forms of drugs which result in depression of the central nervous system. The objective of these techniques is to produce a degree of sedation of the patient so that the procedure may be facilitated.

These techniques are not without risk because of the:

1. depression of protective reflexes.
2. depression of respiration.
3. depression of the cardiovascular system.
4. wide variety and combinations of drugs which may be used, with the potential for drug interactions or for adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis.
5. individual variations in response to the drugs used, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical disease.
6. wide variety of procedures performed.
7. differing standards of equipment and staffing at the locations where these procedures are performed.

It is important to understand the variability of effects which may occur with sedative drugs, however administered, and that over-sedation, airway obstruction or cardiovascular complications may occur at any time. To ensure standards of patient care, the following guidelines are recommended.

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Gastroenterological Society of Australia
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Review PS9 (2008). Incorporating Review PS24 (2004)