Sedation and Monitoring in the Pediatric Patient during Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Hyun Kee Chung1, Jenifer R Lightdale2
1Pediatric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesia, UMass Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Street North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Insights
Choosing the right sedation for pediatric endoscopy is crucial, as no single method is ideal. This review covers sedation levels, regimens, and risks for children undergoing gastrointestinal procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Anesthesiology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Sedation is essential for pediatric gastrointestinal procedures, particularly endoscopy.
- Current sedation options include general anesthesia and procedural sedation.
- Anesthesiologist-administered protocols are common, but an optimal regimen for pediatric endoscopy is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sedation levels and regimens for pediatric endoscopy.
- To discuss risks and considerations specific to pediatric gastrointestinal procedures.
- To examine future directions in sedation and monitoring for pediatric gastroenterology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sedation strategies for pediatric endoscopy.
- Analysis of risks and specific considerations for children.
- Exploration of emerging trends in sedation and monitoring.
Main Results:
- Various sedation levels and regimens exist for pediatric endoscopy.
- Specific risks and considerations are associated with pediatric GI procedures.
- Future advancements may enhance sedation and monitoring practices.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing sedation for pediatric endoscopy requires careful consideration of levels, regimens, and patient-specific factors.
- Addressing procedural risks and monitoring advancements is key to improving outcomes.
- Continued research into sedation techniques can advance pediatric gastroenterology practice.
Abstract:
Sedation is a fundamental component of pediatric gastrointestinal procedures. The 2 main types of sedation for pediatric endoscopy remain general anesthesia and procedural sedation. Although anesthesiologist-administered sedation protocols are more common, there is no ideal regimen for endoscopy in children. This article discusses specific levels of sedation for endoscopy as well as various regimens that can be used to achieve each. Risks and considerations that may be specific to performing gastrointestinal procedures in children are reviewed. Finally, potential future directions for sedation and monitoring that may change the practice of pediatric gastroenterology and ultimately patient outcomes are examined.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
Stages of General Anesthesia
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

