Safety and effectiveness of propofol sedation during and after outpatient colonoscopy

AIM:To study the safety and effectiveness of propofol sedation for outpatient colonoscopy.METHODS:Propofol was given by bolus injection with an age-adjusted standard protocol consisting of 60 mg for patients < 70 years old,40 mg for patients age 70-89 years,and 20 mg for those ≥ 90 years,and additional injections of 20 mg propofol were given up to a maximum of 200 mg.The principal parameters were the occurrence of adverse events within 24 h after colonoscopy and overall satisfaction for this procedure.Secondary parameters included successful procedure,respiratory depression,and other complications.RESULTS:Consecutive patients were entered prospectively and all 2101 entered successfully completed outpatient colonoscopy.The mean dose of propofol used was 96.4 mg(range 40-200 mg).Younger patients required higher doses of propofol than older patients(20-40 years vs ≥ 61 years:115.3 ± 32 mg vs 89.7 ± 21 mg,P < 0.001).Transient supplemental oxygen supply was needed by five patients(0.2%);no other complications occurred.The questionnaires were completed by 1820(87%) of 2101 patients and most rated their overall satisfaction as excellent(80%) or good(17%).The majority(65%) of patients drove home or to their office after their colonoscopy.Most(99%) were willing to repeat the same procedure.No incidents occurred within 24 h after colonoscopy.CONCLUSION:Propofol sedation using a dose < 200 mg proved both safe and practical for outpatient colonoscopy.