Editorial
Copyright ©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Nov 16, 2013; 5(11): 527-533
Published online Nov 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i11.527
Sedation-related complications in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Somchai Amornyotin
Somchai Amornyotin, Department of Anesthesiology and Siriraj Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Author contributions: Amornyotin S solely contributed to the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Somchai Amornyotin, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. somchai.amo@mahidol.ac.th
Telephone: +66-2-4197990 Fax: +66-2-4113256
Received: June 19, 2013
Revised: July 31, 2013
Accepted: September 18, 2013
Published online: November 16, 2013
Processing time: 152 Days and 3.4 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Gastrointestinal endoscopic (GIE) procedures are relatively safe. However, these procedures have been shown to cause various effects on cardiorespiratory systems. Sedation-related complications while providing any level of sedation can occur. Fortunately, these complications during GIE procedures are commonly transient and of a mild degree. In addition, significant unwanted complications can generally be prevented by careful pre-procedure assessment and preparation, appropriate monitoring and support. Periodical assessment of the level of sedation and continuous monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory systems provides timely information. Standardized discharge criteria should be used to determine the patient’s readiness for discharge.