Endoscopic Sedation: From Training to Performance

Abstract

Adequate sedation and analgesia are considered essential requirements to relieve patient discomfort and pain and ultimately to improve the outcomes of modern gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. The willingness of patients to undergo sedation during endoscopy has increased steadily in recent years and standard sedation practices are needed for both patient safety and successful procedural outcomes. Therefore, regular training and education of healthcare providers is warranted. However, training curricula and guidelines for endoscopic sedation may have conflicts according to varying legal frameworks and/or social security systems of each country, and well-recognized endoscopic sedation training systems are not currently available in all endoscopy units. Although European and American curricula for endoscopic sedation have been extensively developed, general curricula and guidelines for each country and institution are also needed. In this review, an overview of recent curricula and guidelines for training and basic performance of endoscopic sedation is presented based on the current literature.

INTRODUCTION

The rate of endoscopic sedation is increasing, as is the incidence of various sedative-related adverse events. Specialized guidelines and/or curricula for endoscopic sedation are necessary to facilitate safe and successful endoscopic procedures. However, the availability of acceptable guidelines or well-described curricula for endoscopic sedation is limited, and their use differs among countries and institutions. Our domestic circumstance also needs a systematic educational curriculum and guidelines for endoscopic sedation.

Endoscopic sedation curricula and guidelines vary among countries depending on the healthcare system and legal framework. However, standardized sedation techniques and education are required to teach healthcare providers safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Quality management requires appropriate pharmacological training for all clinical staff involved in the practice of sedation, regardless of the type of sedation used. Individual qualifications, human resources, and technical requirements are addressed by various guidelines, but may differ according to healthcare circumstances. 1,2,3 Additionally, personnel qualifications for administration of propofol may raise a controversy between anesthesiologists and nonanesthesiologists, in particular endoscopists. Nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol (NAAP) is the direct administration of propofol by trained nurses or endoscopists. NAAP is used regularly in many countries, including Korea. A number of studies of sedation methods and quality have been performed recently,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 but domestic Korean guidelines and training curricula for endoscopic sedation using propofol have not been established yet.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA), and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) have formulated an NAAP sedation curriculum and guidelines. However, the ESA withdrew from the final NAAP guideline agreement. The curriculum and guidelines are based on a consensus of physicians from various disciplines including gastroenterology and anesthesiology along with nurses who were involved in the development of the European and National Sedation Guidelines and Curriculum for Endoscopic Sedation and the Organization of National and Local Courses for Endoscopic Sedation. 2,3 In the United States, the Multisocieties Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (MSCGE) has also presented an endoscopy sedation curriculum and guidelines. The MSCGE grew out of the need for a complete and programmatic approach to sedation training. It provides the knowledge and skills required for the practice of procedural sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy.1 However, it included institutes for gastroenterologists only, without direct involvement of anesthesiologists.

The aim of this literature review is to describe the established endoscopic sedation guidelines and curriculum, focusing on training and actual performance based on the current European and American guidelines. This review also focuses on propofol sedation and NAAP-associated training and performance.

CURRENT CURRICULA AND GUIDELINES

European curriculum and guidelines

The 2013 European curriculum focuses on training for all types of sedation used in gastrointestinal endoscopy.2 The course structure includes two categories. First, a 3-day introductory course combines theory and practice with a focus on practical training. At least half of the time is spent in practical training sessions in small groups (4 to 8 people), and each unit is followed by a formal test of cognitive or skills competence. Most European countries also recommend that trainees receive periodic basic and/or advanced life support training (i.e., basic life support [BLS] or advanced cardiac life support [ACLS]), according to the national law for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Next, clinical training will consist of a learning phase of at least 2 weeks with a mentor and will include individual competency assessments. A summative assessment is performed independently by at least three independent supervisors after a minimum of 30 student-documented cases, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, or more cases if trustworthy professional performance has not been achieved.

The course based on the European guideline integrates theory with practice and covers the following areas: 1) relevant anatomy and physiology of the heart and respiratory tract, including definitions of hypoxemia, hypocapnia, and hypercapnia, and their relationship to the risk profile of the individual patient; 2) basic pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, indications, and contraindications of drugs commonly used for endoscopy sedation and pain control; 3) different sedation methods, including possibilities and limitations of each, possible side effects, prevention and management of complications; 4) selection of patients appropriate for administration of sedation by nonanesthesiologists, including the use of healthcare questionnaires to assist patient selection; 5) equipment and staff requirements necessary to ensure patient safety before, during, and after endoscopic interventions; 6) the use of different scores to assess patient risk status, such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification4 and the risk score to predict difficult mask ventilation, along with the relationship of patient risk status, planned sedation technique, and anticipated difficulty of the endoscopic procedure; 7) patient preparation and surveillance, including safe positioning, intravenous access, monitoring, and oxygen administration; 8) sedation stages; 9) management of sedation complications; 10) documentation during sedation, e.g., assessment of oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure at regular intervals, drugs used (name and dosage), administration of intravenous fluids (type and quantity), and oxygen flow rate, sedation-associated complications and their management, and fulfillment of discharge criteria; 11) discharge criteria and patient instructions following gastrointestinal endoscopy under sedation; 12) national laws and guidelines and European and institutional guidelines and standards; 13) variations in sedation methods, including dosing and drug effects in different types of patients; 14) management of hypoxemic events, apnea, hypertension/hypotension, bradycardia/tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias and communication in stressful situations (e.g., bleeding plus hypoxia); 15) BLS/ACLS; 16) debriefing in small groups after cases of sedation and endoscopy, including complications and their management.2 After successful completion of all assessments, the trainees receive a certificate from the ESGENA-ESGE.

Multisocieties sedation curriculum for gastrointestinal endoscopy

In the United States, the MSCGE is a curriculum for training in endoscopic sedation. The MSCGE includes recommendations from national gastroenterology societies including American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. Other professional non-gastrointestinal societies including the ASA as well ascertain regulatory organizations were also invited to take part in the development of the MSCGE.1

The MSCGE includes the following 14 topics: 1) introduction; 2) sedation pharmacology; 3) informed consent for endoscopic sedation; 4) periprocedural assessment for endoscopic procedures; 5) levels of sedation; 6) training in the administration of specific agents for moderate sedation; 7) training in airway/rescue techniques and management of complications; 8) anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures; 9) intraprocedural monitoring; 10) postprocedural assessment training; 11) endoscopy in pregnant and lactating females; 12) assessment of competency in endoscopic sedation; 13) bibliography; 14) appendix; and a primer in sedation pharmacology.1 Each topic stresses the importance of training goals, the training process, and a sequential assessment of subject competence.

As with the European curriculum, all training courses are included. Basic and advanced life support training is required for physicians or nurses. Characteristic of the MSCGE are the emphasis on informed consent, inclusion of sedation guidelines for pregnancy, and guidelines for anesthesiologist assistance for cases of risky sedation, usually based on propofol sedation, where in contrast to the European guidelines, NAAP is not routinely permitted for deep sedation by nonanesthesiologists. Moreover, in the European curriculum, anesthesiologists are included as teaching staff (Table 1).1,2,3,13

Table 1.

Basic Comparison of MSCGE and European Curriculum1,2,3,13

MSCGE, Multisocieties Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; ESGE, European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; ESGENA, European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates; ACLS, advanced trauma life support; BLS, basic life support; NAAP, nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol.

TRAINING FOR ENDOSCOPIC SEDATION

Target training group

Published curricula and guidelines are intended for nonanesthesiologists, i.e., physicians working in gastrointestinal endoscopy, nurses, and those who are involved in sedation. 1,2,3,13,14,15 Each country has different local rules or circumstances and healthcare systems. Thus, the target group may differ according to the drugs used, particularly if propofol is used. However, as a rule, physicians and nurses are the main target group in terms of training for performance of endoscopic sedation.

Nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol training guidelines

Currently published guidelines or curricula emphasize the use of propofol by NAAP. All endoscopists and endoscopy nurses who perform NAAP should receive appropriate education and practical training. Self-training in NAAP is strongly discouraged in the guidelines.3 Specific knowledge and skills for endoscopy and sedation are necessary to ensure patient comfort and safety and successful endoscopic outcomes. Previous experience in intensive care medicine is also desirable for physicians responsible for NAAP. European and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines recommend that training courses include theoretical and practical parts, with each being followed by an examination and certification to document successful training.3,13 Training in basic pharmacology, pre-, during-, and post-endoscopic procedure patient care, such as monitoring, and management of complications is needed.

It is important that NAAP providers are able to manage typical adverse effects of propofol as well as other sedatives. They should be trained in life support techniques such as BLS or ACLS, and NAAP training courses teach BLS techniques to all participants and ACLS to healthcare providers who practice in locations where an ACLS provider is not immediately available.1,3,13,16,17 Additionally, BLS techniques may be essential for an adequate response to adverse events during endoscopy sedation using other drugs besides propofol. The European Board of Anesthesiology recommends that NAAP-trained endoscopists who perform patient sedation should be trained in ACLS techniques including endotracheal intubation, and that training of nurses should be similar to the training of medical staff, but focused on BLS.16,18,19,20 However, ACLS training is usually not recommended as a routine course. Practical endotracheal intubation skills are difficult, and while training for extremely low-frequency of adverse events is not recommended, regular participation in education is needed for NAAP.3,13,16,17,21,22 At minimum, a BLS course is warranted in a basic endoscopic sedation curriculum, and more advanced education and training in ACLS may be necessary for prolonged and complex procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-interventional therapy, double-balloon enteroscopy, or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) requiring deep sedation. If an ACLS provider is not present in the endoscopy unit or hospital, use of deep sedation with propofol may be restricted.

Simulator training

Simulator training using a full-scale patient simulator as an adjunct to practical NAAP courses may improve the skills of trainees. The European and MSCGE curricula both recommend the use of such simulator programs. Traditional clinical training does not reliably offer an opportunity for training in crisis management, nor does it address deficiencies in human performance under stress or the challenges of effective teamwork. Simulation-based sedation training includes both technical and human performance aspects of managing adverse events that might occur in the endoscopy unit by using a patient simulator and a simulated clinical environment.1,2,3 Simulator-based education allows training in pharmacology, appropriate selection of sedative drugs for use in endoscopic procedures or according to the needs of individual patient, pertinent monitoring techniques, including level of consciousness, pulse oximetry, frequency of observations, and management of complications of intravenous sedation, including basic to advanced life support and recovery care.

One study performed during a training course for sedation during endoscopy showed significant improvement in examination test scores of attendees after 3 hours of training that included hands-on management on a full-scale patient simulator compared with those before training.23 Direct endoscopy sedation under supervision or observation is also needed following simulator training, and should discuss various unexpected situations and complications. The European guidelines recommend that NAAP should be performed under supervision of an anesthesiologist or another person with previous experience of >300 NAAP cases. One retrospective study has shown that sedation-related complication rates during EUS examinations were significantly lower among advanced nurses (≥100 NAAP procedures) compared with the least-experienced nurses (≤30 NAAP procedures) (17.2% vs. 25.4%; odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.92).20 Simulator training can provide trainees with the specified knowledge and skills during a condensed period.

PERFORMANCE OF ENDOSCOPIC SEDATION

Conventional endoscopy under moderate sedation is usually performed by endoscopists or trained nurses. However, precisely who is qualified to perform sedation is an important problem particularly during the use of propofol. In the United States, over 75% of endoscopists use a benzodiazepine-plusnarcotic combination, most commonly midazolam and fentanyl, and propofol administration is directed by an anesthesiologist. 24 In Europe, various regimens are used and the administration of propofol differs according to national law.25 European countries in which NAAP has been established because of national legal restrictions include Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.2 Regimens and the use of propofol differ according to national law. The 2008 United States guidelines as well as those of Germany have recommend that NAAP be performed by a person for whom NAAP is the sole task.13,21 However, recent reports have suggested that propofol administration in the presence of an endoscopist and a single nurse is safe, and no severe cardiovascular complications have been reported. In fact, endoscopists or nurses now administer propofol sedation widely and safely,4,5,6,7,8,26,27,28,29 and studies have shown that NAAP does not increase the risk of cardiovascular complications and is more cost-effective than anesthesiologist-administered sedation. There is no evidence to indicate that rapid availability of a life support team is required for propofol administration. However, it is recommended that patients be continuously monitored by a person dedicated to NAAP during endoscopic sedation. The ESGE does not recommend compulsory availability of a life support team if propofol is administered in the presence of a person trained in ACLS.3

Patient preparation and monitoring

Careful monitoring using continuous pulse oximetry and automated noninvasive blood pressure measurement from baseline to the recovery period is recommended for all patients. Continuous electrocardiography is recommended in selected patients who have a history of cardiac and/or pulmonary disease. Baseline, minimum, and maximum heart rate/blood pressure, and baseline and minimum oxygen blood saturation should be recorded. Automatic blood pressure monitors are widely available, relatively reliable, cheap, and easy to use. Although the potential benefit of routine prophylactic oxygen supplementation in terms of decreased cardiopulmonary complications is unclear, oxygen administration is widely recommended because oxygen desaturation is a frequent occurrence during endoscopy.30,31,32,33,34 These basic monitoring steps are recommended for all endoscopic sedation cases.

Visual assessment of respiratory activity during endoscopy procedures that are anticipated to be prolonged is not a reliable method of detecting apnea as most episodes of apnea and disordered respiration remain undetected by visual assessment of respiratory activity during anticipated prolonged endoscopy procedures.35 In a capnography-blinded group, hypoxemia developed significantly more frequently, with no difference in the clinically relevant complication rate, and another study showed that capnography erroneously displayed a flatline for at least 50 seconds in 13% of patients.36,37 Although capnographic monitoring of respiratory activity during NAAP may reduce episodes of hypoxemia during prolonged endoscopic procedures or when visual assessment of patient breathing is impaired, there has been no evidence of clinical impact. The clinical usefulness of capnography should be assessed in patients who are considered to be at high risk for morbidity from hypoxemia, and therefore, capnography is not recommended as a standard monitoring method.

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based monitoring may be used during NAAP to target a sedation level, which may help to reduce propofol consumption during complex endoscopic procedures targeting deep sedation. However, no clinical impact of EEG-based monitoring has been demonstrated, and no specific recommendations have been made due to the paucity of data.3 The bispectral index (BIS) is a variable derived from the EEG that allows quantification of the hypnotic effects of anesthetic drugs on the central nervous system. The usefulness of the BIS during propofol sedation for endoscopy has been evaluated. BIS is not associated with reductions in mean propofol dose or recovery time when used as an adjunct to nurse-administered propofol sedation for colonoscopy, or when used as the primary target for sedation.38 BIS monitoring during an ESD procedure did not lead to a reduction in the dose of propofol required, but did result in higher satisfaction scores among patients and endoscopists.39 There was no difference with regard to propofol consumption or recovery time between these two studies.38,39 On the other hand, randomized controlled trials including patients undergoing ERCP found that the propofol dose was significantly lower and the recovery time shorter in patients randomized to BIS compared with those randomized to clinical parameters for monitoring propofol administration.40,41

In conclusion, neither capnography nor BIS are recommended as routine monitoring tools. Careful inspection by a separate participant and basic monitoring by pulse oximetry, automated noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and electrocardiography are usually sufficient for safe endoscopic sedation. Capnography or BIS should be considered in selected high-risk patients or those undergoing planned deep sedation.

Level of sedation

Simple endoscopic procedures can be performed with moderate sedation using midazolam and maintain a high degree of patient satisfaction. However, prolonged or complex procedures such as EUS, ERCP, or ESD are frequently performed under deep sedation. Propofol is usually used to maintain a deep level of sedation, and it has been recommended that all providers be prepared to rescue patients from deeper levels of sedation than targeted. The level of sedation can be assessed using several scales. Trainees should learn to estimate adequate levels of sedation during endoscopy. The level of sedation can be estimated based on various modalities including the ASA classification, the Ramsay sedation scale, the Modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation score, or the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (MOAA/S) (Tables 2,3,4,5).14,42 The Ramsay scale was developed in order to promote adequate sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). It has six response choices that are quick and easy to assess. The MOAA/S scale is directed at determining the degree of suppression of consciousness and is widely used in the anesthesia research literature for quantifying the hypnotic effects of drugs. The two methods differ in that whereas the Ramsay scale mainly involves a passive approach to the patient and is designed to cause minimal disturbance to sleep, the MOAA/S scale entails a positive action by the observer ab initio in order to determine the patient's responsiveness. However, neither the MOAA/S nor the Ramsay scale takes into account the cardiorespiratory status. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), which is also often used for ICU patients, was developed to measure the dynamic concept of sedation and to prevent complications associated with agitation in critically ill adults. Because the RASS measures agitation, the scale may be inappropriate for measuring sedation and guiding adjustment of sedative medications.13,14,16,17,42 Thus, the choice of a sedation scoring system is usually a matter of personal preference. Observers should choose measurement parameters according to the situations of institution, and the Ramsay Sedation Scale and MOAA/S are both widely accepted sedation scoring systems.

Table 2.

Levels of Sedation according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists

Table 3.

Ramsay Sedation Scale

Table 4.

Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale

Table 5.

Modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score

However, as mentioned above, use of certain monitoring devices and techniques remains controversial, and distinguishing between moderate and deep sedation is frequently difficult because continuous monitoring of the sedation level may be difficult. Bedside observers may occasionally misjudge the level of sedation between monitoring time intervals. A continuous monitoring system has been developed, but no definite guidelines for its application have been introduced, and regular careful monitoring by a separate observer should be performed for deeper levels of sedation.

Management of adverse events

The most common complications during endoscopic sedation are hypoxemia and hypotension. Hypoxemia and hypotension are usually defined as hemoglobin oxygen saturation <90% and systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, respectively. Most cardiopulmonary complications can be prevented by careful monitoring of the sedation level and preprocedural risk stratification of patients. Additionally, there are antidotes to some sedative drugs, i.e., flumazenil or naloxone may be administered if benzodiazepines or opioids have been used. However, propofol does not have a pharmacologic antagonist, and it is also contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to soy protein. Propofol may also cause pain at the injection site. On average, 70% of patients report pain on injection, but this can be prevented in 60% of patients by intravenous administration of lidocaine (0.5 mg/kg) with a rubber tourniquet on the forearm.43 Although hypoxemia and hypotension are the most frequent adverse effects of propofol, according to a meta-analysis, the incidence during propofol-based sedation is 11% (95% CI, 7% to 16%) and 5% (95% CI, 2% to 10%), respectively. 44

Both the European curriculum and the MSCGE recommend that healthcare providers have BLS and/or ACLS training, particularly when they are involved in sedation using propofol.1,2 Measures that can be taken if hypoxemia develops include stopping the infusion of the sedative drugs, increasing the oxygen supply, maintaining a patent airway using the jawthrust maneuver, suctioning, and mask ventilation. If the patient does not respond adequately to these measures, the endoscopy should be stopped. If hypoxemia does not reverse, an emergency call must be performed according to local protocols, and ACLS must be initiated. In cases of arterial hypotension, an electrolyte solution should be administered, possibly with catecholamines. In cases of bradycardia, atropine should be administered intravenously. While ACLS training is required for advanced life support, these severe complications are rare, and ACLS is usually not recommended for routine certification. BLS should be sufficient for basic training endoscopy sedation courses, and ACLS can be taught in the more advanced training courses. The curricula for Simulator training includes BLS or ACLS.

Postsedation recovery care

The European curriculum and the MSCGE recommend that patients are observed by someone who is aware of the side effects of the drugs administered using monitoring equipment similar to that used during the procedure. During the recovery period, this observer can perform minor interruptible tasks but should not leave the room. Although it is possible to observe patients in the examination room, a separate room is recommended for practical reasons.1,2,3 A large prospective study has shown that serious adverse effects may occur up to 30 minutes after the administration of benzodiazepines and opioids for sedation, but postprocedural adverse effects represent <10% of per-procedural adverse effects. Serious postprocedural adverse effects are less frequent with propofol compared with the combination of midazolam/meperidine.45,46 A standardized discharge assessment scoring system such as the postanesthetic discharge scoring system or the Aldrete score (Table 6) is used.47

Table 6.

Aldrete Scoring System

Total score is 10. Patients who score ≥8 (and/or are returned to similar preoperative status) are considered fit for transition to phase II recovery.

BP, blood pressure.

Administration of specific drugs for endoscopic sedation

During training, trainees should learn the appropriate selection of patients for moderate or deep sedation based on the intended endoscopic procedure. Then, training in the pharmacological profiles of drugs, dosing regiments for induction and maintenance of sedation according to age and comorbidities, and safe injection practices is needed.1,2,3 As noted, there has been some conflicts between anesthesiologists and endoscopists regarding the use of propofol, and the MSCGE recommends a training process that includes both cognitive and procedural training. The cognitive training is a didactic component that incorporates lectures and independent study of a core of essential literature and the procedural training consists of two processes. Level 1 incorporates a high-fidelity sedation simulator, if available, and observation of a faculty physician managing sedation. Level 2 is the independent ordering and administration of sedation drugs under faculty supervision. After these processes, trainees should participate in a discussion of cases of sedation-related adverse events.1 The European curriculum also recommends that trainees are aware of all sedatives and rescue drugs used for endoscopy sedation, including the pharmacological principles, pharmacokinetics, dosing, application techniques, contraindications, and side effects of individual drugs and the combinations of drugs used for sedation.2

Assessments of competence

Whenever possible, basic knowledge such as pharmacology and the use of physiological monitoring should be established before the trainee is placed in the procedure room environment. Simulators and web-based programs that are designed to assess technical and cognitive abilities should be used whenever possible. The MSCGE uses a web-based objective examination, patient simulation, or direct observation with or without oral testing of trainees.1,2 ESGENA-ESGE and MSCGE provide certificates to each student who successfully completes the training course.1,2 As these certification programs are currently not available in the domestic education program for Korea, regular education and advanced periodic education and certification are needed.

Special considerations for endoscopic sedation

The MSCGE includes indications and contraindications for endoscopy and information on the safety of commonly used medications for endoscopy during pregnancy. This curriculum also recommends that trainees gain an understanding of the clinical conditions, history, and physical findings that may predispose a patient to an increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications with standard sedation. Thus, the training process involves didactic lectures as well as clinical instruction and demonstration. On the basis of this training, an appropriate level of anesthesiologist assistance for an endoscopic procedure is established. Patient- or procedure-related risk factors including prolonged or therapeutic endoscopic procedures requiring deep sedation or general anesthesia, anticipated intolerance, paradoxical reaction or allergy to standard sedation regimens, increased risk of complications because of severe comorbidity (ASA class 4 and higher), increased risk of airway obstruction, history of stridor and severe sleep apnea, dysmorphic facial features, oral abnormalities, neck abnormalities, and jaw abnormalities may contribute to the decision to have an anesthesiologist present.1

Finally, trainees should be aware of legal issues when performing sedation, particularly for the use of propofol. In some countries, all sedation can be administered by all trained clinicians, while in others administration of propofol can be performed only by anesthesiologists. In the majority of European countries, endoscopists administer sedation with support from endoscopy nurses, whereas in some countries, including France, only anesthesiologists administer intravenous sedation.2 The current Food and Drug Administration-approved product label for propofol states that it should be administered only by individuals trained in the administration of general anesthesia.13 The narrow therapeutic window of propofol distinguishes it from the conventional sedative hypnotics that are used for endoscopy and may increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications if not administered appropriately. An ASA task force has recommended that patients who receive propofol should receive care consistent with deep sedation and that the involved personnel should be capable of rescuing a patient from general anesthesia.48 However, there is now abundant evidence that propofol can be administered safely by nonanesthesiologists, as during the last decade, a number of studies have addressed the safety and efficacy of propofol administration during endoscopy by either physicians or trained nurses.4,5,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59 Gastroenterologist endoscopists regard NAAP as a safe and cost-effective method for endoscopic sedation and will usually perform it, although the majority opinion of anesthesiology societies concerning the use of propofol by nonanesthesiologists is reportedly negative.

CONCLUSIONS

An adequate level of satisfactory endoscopic sedation is now essential for the safety of patients and for successful therapeutic endoscopy. Current endoscopic sedation curricula and guidelines are well-established in Europe and the United States. Basic knowledge and actual advanced performance should be required particularly in NAAP, and taking into consideration the various legal frameworks and healthcare systems of each country. Moreover, a more systematized curriculum and a regular education system extending from training to expert performance should be established to facilitate safe and successful endoscopic sedation. This should be based on an updated international consensus regarding the use of sedative agents, particularly propofol, and on the current domestic legal framework.