[Value of monitoring in endoscopic studies]

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is frequently associated with a fall in oxygen saturation and ECG abnormalities. Nevertheless, clinically relevant complications are rare (0.03-0.54%). To date, there is no evidence that electronic monitoring of oxygen saturation or ECG reduces the complication rate of endoscopic procedures, and therefore the routine use of these does not seem justified. However, in high risk patients we recommend prophylactic administration of oxygen (2-4 l/min), if possible combined with pulse oximetry.