5 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9
A
dministering anesthesia in our GI procedure rooms typ-
ically comes down to deciding between moderate seda-
tion with midazolam and fentanyl or deep sedation
with propofol. The optimal choice is made on a case-
by-case basis, depending on each patient's health status
and the procedure we're about to perform.
The decision-making process begins with a baseline health assess-
ment that checks patients for comorbid conditions — cardiac and pul-
monary issues, diabetes and kidney problems — that could increase
sedation risks. Patients also undergo a heart, lung and airway exam
performed by an anesthesiologist. Although routine health screenings
raise many red flags, we also have protocols in place to double-check
a patient's condition. If we discover a concerning medical condition at
the last minute, we determine if the procedure can proceed or if we
Adam Jacob, MD | Rochester, Minn.
Make the Right Choice for Safe Sedation
It's best to base the consciousness level on the patient and the procedure.
• PLEASING PUSH Patients report higher satisfaction following endoscopic procedures after sedation with propofol than with
other sedation medications such as midazolam and fentanyl.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
