Abstract
Background and Aims : In recent years, the majority of patients in Japan prefer to undergo colonoscopy without pain and anxiety. Our aims were to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of, and patient satisfaction with propofol sedation with those of non-sedation or midazolam/pentazocine sedation administered during outpatient colonoscopy. Results : Between December 2006 and August 2008, we performed a total of 661 colonoscopic examinations. Among them, 241 colonoscopic examinations were performed with propofol sedation, 236 with midazolam/pentazocine sedation, and 184 with no sedation. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased in patients with sedation ; especially in patients with propofol sedation, the SBP decreased by a mean of 42%. The SBP increased by a mean of 11% in patients without sedation. The oxygen saturation decreased in patients with sedation ; especially in those with midazolam/pentazocine sedation, the oxygen saturation decreased by a mean of 39%. Pain control was better in patients with sedation ; especially in patients with midazolam/pentazocine sedation, pain control was better by a mean of 93% compared with that in the no sedation group. The recovery time was significantly shorter in patients with propofol sedation than in those with midazolam/pentazocine sedation (17min vs. 126min). Adverse events after returning home were more frequent in patients with midazolam/pentazocine sedation ; 21% of patients with midazolam/pentazocine sedation developed adverse events Patients' satisfaction was higher in those with sedation. Conclusion : Endoscopist-administered propofol sedation for outpatient colonoscopy was safe and effective with a low incidence of adverse events during the procedure, shorter recovery time after returning home, and good patient satisfaction levels.
