Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy

Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy is routinely employed to relieve patients’ anxiety and fear of the examination. In recent years, propofol has become a suitable alternative to the previously widely used benzodiazepine. However, as sedation is estimated to be responsible for about 50% of all gastrointestinal endoscopy complications, proper training how to administer sedation and monitor sedated patients is important. This publication contains a selection of short expert reviews presented at an international meeting held in Athens in September 2009, funded by OMED, the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, the ESGE and UEGF, and endorsed by the ASGE. An international faculty discussed recent advances in the field, focusing on indications as well the nature and safety of sedatives and analgesics, their administration, the required monitoring and issues related to training in their use. Furthermore, medico-legal issues related to the use of propofol by gastroenterologists were discussed. Containing up-to-date information on sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy, the publication at hand is a most useful tool for the clinician working in the field.