The Role of Sedation and Pulse Oximetry During Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Abstract

Introduction: To determine the changes in oxygen saturation, blood pressure and pulse rate during
endoscopic procedure and to evaluate – oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) related discomfort
assessed by the patient.
Methods:It is observational case control study. Baseline pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation
were monitored before procedure, at one minute of procedure, at fi ve minute and soon after
procedure. Patients were randomly selected according to lottery system (1: without sedation and 2:
with sedation) and divided into two groups; without and with sedation. Before leaving department
they were asked about level of discomfort during and after procedure.
Results:Patient’s mean age ± SD: 36.65, ± 11.42 years and 53.3% were men. Base line mean oxygen
saturation among sedated patient were 96.77 ±1.56 % and 97.23, ± 2.26 % respectively (P=0.358). Mild
to moderate hypoxia was noted more in sedated patient than in non sedated patient. Severe hypoxia
was noted in 3.3% of sedated patient. No statistically signifi cant change was noticed in pulse and
blood pressure in both the group. None or only slight discomfort was experienced by 9.4% in non
sedated group and 90.6% in sedated group. Severe discomfort by 96.4% in non sedated group and
3.6% in sedated group .
Conclusions:There is slight more incidence of mild hypoxia in sedated group than in non sedated
group but no change in pulse and blood pressure. However, sedated patient have significant less
level of discomfort than in non sedated group. Though routine use of pulse oxymeter is not necessary,
routine use of sedation during endoscopy is recommended.
Key Words: discomfort, gastroscopy, oxygen saturation, pulse oximeter