Patient maintained sedation for colonoscopy using a target controlled infusion of propofol

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Propofol is a common anesthetic agent.
• Patient-controlled sedation allows individuals to manage their own drug administration.
• Colonoscopy requires adequate sedation for patient comfort and procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and recovery of patient-maintained, target-controlled infusion of propofol for sedation during colonoscopy.
• To assess patient satisfaction and cognitive recovery after propofol sedation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty patients undergoing colonoscopy received propofol sedation via a target-controlled infusion system.
• Patients used a handset to adjust propofol dosage within a defined range.
• Safety parameters, including vital signs and oversedation events, were monitored.
• Choice reaction time tests were used to assess cognitive recovery post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Four patients experienced oversedation, but none required interventions.
• Significant reductions in heart rate and systolic blood pressure were observed.
• Choice reaction time showed a significant increase 15 minutes after colonoscopy, indicating delayed cognitive recovery in some.
• All patients reported satisfaction and denied unpleasant recall.

Conclusions:

• Patient-maintained propofol sedation is potentially feasible for colonoscopy.
• Oversedation requires careful management within this patient-controlled model.
• Further research is needed to optimize this sedation technique for colonoscopy.