Hypnotic technique for sedation of patients during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

A method of sedation of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is described. This technique employs a variety of elements, including "pacing and leading," metaphors, use of physiological reactions to deepen the relaxation, imagery, and post hypnotic suggestions. It is a simple and effective method which does not require any preparation. It spares the need for a pharmacological sedation and obviates the possible hazards of such a sedation. The author has successfully used this technique to sedate more than 200 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The duration of examinations performed this way compares with that using conventional pharmacological sedation. However, unlike the case of pharmacological sedation, no further monitoring is needed after the completion of the examination and the patients can leave the clinic immediately to resume their activities.