What is sedation? Why do I need it for my endoscopy?

Sedation is a state of sleepiness that occurs when you receive medication to help you rest during a procedure, and is commonly given before an endoscopic procedure. When an endoscopy is performed, some air is instilled into the stomach or intestines, which could cause mild discomfort. Sedation is used to help relieve or avoid the sensation of discomfort. Different terms are used depending upon the specific medication being administered. The term “conscious sedition” also referred to a moderate sedation, is used to refer to the most common combination of medications being administered, and is very adequate for the sedation needs for most patients having an endoscopy. A lesser percentage of patients may require, or may request what is called deep sedation, most commonly with a medication called, propofol. This medication also is frequently used to administer general anesthesia for surgery. Propofol requires different patient monitoring during the procedure and depending upon circumstances, may require anesthesia personnel, and so involves additional patient costs. Most of the time, the medicine is given through a vein.

Some patients have their endoscopic procedures done without sedation. If you are considering having endoscopy without sedation, discuss this with the staff or doctor on the day of the exam.

Sedation is very safe for most people having an endoscopy. Complications associate with sedation are rare occurring in less than one in every 10,000 people. The most common complications involve a temporary decrease in the rate of breathing or heart rate. By far, the most common problem is a temporary decrease in the blood oxygen level that occurs when breathing slows or subjects are not taking deep breaths. This can be corrected by giving extra oxygen through a small nasal tube. If complications related to sedation occur, medicines can be given by vein that reserve the effects of the sedation medications.

Your doctor is trained in the use of sedation medications. Your blood pressure, pulse (number of times your heart beats every minute), and oxygen levels are checked regularly during an endoscopic procedure and while in the recovery area. This monitoring of your vital functions help the staff and your doctor know how you are doing and after medications are given and recognize any problems.

The physicians or person administering the medication will need to know your history of drug allergies, all of your medications and does (including over the counter therapies) and your medical history. Having this information handy when you come in for the endoscopy will help your doctor in planning what type and does of sedation is right for you.