Deep Sedation in High-risk Patients Undergoing Emergency Upper GI Endoscopy: A Retrospective Study Assessing Safety...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Procedures

Background:

• Emergency upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is complex and high-risk.
• Airway compromise is a significant concern during these procedures.
• Limited guidance exists for anesthesiology in emergency GI endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the safety and efficacy of moderate versus deep sedation in emergency upper GI endoscopy.
• To compare complication rates and respiratory depression between sedation types.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, monocentric study involving 96 patients.
• Data collected from the Emergency Gastroenterology Unit at AORN Cardarelli (June-October 2023).
• Analysis focused on key features of moderate and deep sedation procedures.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in complications between moderate and deep sedation groups.
• Respiratory depression incidence was similar across both sedation groups.
• Adverse outcomes were rare, even with deep sedation.

Conclusions:

• Moderate and deep sedation appear equally safe for emergency upper GI endoscopy.
• The risk of adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, is low for both sedation methods.
• Anesthesiological conduct during emergency endoscopy can safely utilize deep sedation.