Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
The safety of deep sedation without intubation for abortion in the outpatient setting
Gillian Dean1, Adam R Jacobs, Robert C Goldstein
1Planned Parenthood of New York City, 26 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012, USA. gillian.dean@ppnyc.org
Study Objective:
To determine the rate of perioperative pulmonary aspiration in patients undergoing first and second-trimester surgical abortion during deep sedation with propofol, without intubation.
Design:
Retrospective review of cases of surgical and anesthetic complications reported to the Office of Quality Management of the surgical facility between August 1, 2001 and April 30, 2008.
Setting:
Large urban surgical abortion outpatient facility.
Measurements:
The medical records of all surgical abortion patients who underwent hospital transfer were reviewed. From billing records, all patients who underwent abortion during deep sedation were identified. The primary outcome was the rate of perioperative pulmonary aspiration. Secondary outcomes included the rates of other anesthesia-related adverse events resulting in hospital transfer.
Main Results:
During the 81-month study period, the facility performed 62,125 surgical abortions during deep sedation, including 11,039 second-trimester abortions. Only one patient received endotracheal intubation. No cases of perioperative pulmonary aspiration occurred.
Conclusions:
Deep sedation without intubation is a viable method of anesthesia for both first and second-trimester surgical abortions in the outpatient setting.
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Stages of General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
