Sedation in Gastrointestinal Endoscopies [Part 1]

Abstract

Endoscopy, both of the upper and the lower gastrointestinal tract remains difficult and sometimes painful procedures to be performed with the patients fully awaken. On the other hand, sedation and analgesia must be approached as a complex procedure requiring high-level skills and knowledge, since it requires preparedness, diligent monitoring and risk awareness. Knowledge of patient's co-morbid state and selection of sedation agents that will not exacerbate its baseline status is also a prerequisite.