Trained Teams of Nurses and Endoscopists Can Safely Administer Propofol

Typically, the moderate sedation used for gastrointestinal endoscopy includes a narcotic agent, such as fentanyl or meperidine, coupled with a benzodiazepine, such as midazolam. Recently, propofol has received considerable attention as an alternative. This agent has a rapid onset of action, a short half-life (which translates into a more rapid recovery), and the potential for deeper sedation or anesthesia.

In this pooled analysis, researchers evaluated data from three large endoscopy units in which propofol was administered by trained endoscopy nurses. Each center’s training program was developed in conjunction with anesthesiologists. Only a few patient factors — including allergy to the drug or its components (soybeans and eggs), difficult …