Intravenous Lignocaine as an Adjunct to Propofol Based Sedation in Colonoscopy: A Prospective, Observational Study

The adoption of western lifestyles and dietary changes have culminated in an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in developing nations such as India and Nigeria. Propofol used for colonoscopies, which is the gold standard for early diagnosis, is associated with cardiopulmonary complications and is a poor choice as a sole agent due to a lack of analgesic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous (IV) lignocaine in minimizing the need for propofol during colonoscopy.

This prospective observational study included 80 patients who had been posted for colonoscopies of either sex belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades I and II. Patients who received lignocaine with propofol were included in Group L and those who received normal saline with propofol were included in Group C. The following was recorded: induction, maintenance, total amount of propofol, induction and recovery time, hemodynamic variables such as heart rate, mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pain relief after receiving the injection, ease of the procedure for endoscopist satisfaction, comfort and patient satisfaction during the procedure, post-procedure pain and fatigue, recall, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness.

With regard to demographics, the groups were well matched. Group L had a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05) in terms of patient comfort, lesser induction time, and propofol requirements when compared to Group C. Group C also had a lower rate of oxygen desaturation ( P < 0.05).

Propofol needs during colonoscopy can be considerably reduced using IV lignocaine, resulting in shorter induction time and better patient comfort.