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Propofol and remifentanil for deep sedation in children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy

Ibrahim Abu-Shahwan1, David Mack

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L1. iabushahwan@cheo.on.ca

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|May 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Propofol and remifentanil combination deep sedation is safe and effective for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy. This method ensures no respiratory depression or oxygen desaturation in young children undergoing these procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal endoscopy in young children requires safe and effective sedation.
  • Propofol and remifentanil are commonly used anesthetic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined propofol and remifentanil deep sedation.
  • To assess this sedation technique in spontaneously breathing children under 7 years old undergoing upper/lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 42 children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.
  • Anesthesia maintained with propofol (50-80 microg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.1 microg/kg/min) infusions.
  • Monitoring of vital signs and recovery times.

Main Results:

  • All 42 procedures completed without complications.
  • Combination sedation led to decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
  • No instances of respiratory depression or oxygen desaturation observed.

Conclusions:

  • Propofol and remifentanil combination is a safe and effective sedation method for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy.
  • The technique is well-tolerated and acceptable for this patient population.
Abstract

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