Published online Dec 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i12.584
Revised: October 7, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 16, 2014
Processing time: 115 Days and 13.8 Hours
Core tip: Many prevalent endoscopic procedural practices and policies are not only unsupported by clinical and scientific evidence, but are counterproductive. Rather than enhancing patient safety and comfort, these increase risk and expense, introduce unnecessary delays. Evidence to reach proper decisions about these topics has been available for a while, but is not appropriately acknowledged and implemented. Avoiding these pitfalls can have a significant positive impact because these policies cover routine events, actions and decisions, including: required prolonged pre-procedural fasting, routine supplemental oxygen during sedation, prohibition of Propofol use by non-anesthesia personnel, multiple monitoring practices and prophylactic recommendations.