Position Statement: Nonanesthesiologist Administration of Propofol for GI Endoscopy

Abstract

1The administration of propofol and standard sedation by nonanesthesiologists is comparable with respect to their efficacy and safety profiles. Proper training and patient selection are crucial for the safe practice of NAAP sedation.2Gastroenterologists and registered nurses in many countries have successfully acquired the skills necessary to safely administer propofol-based sedation. Both didactic and hands-on experience as well as airway training and a preceptorship are currently believed to be important elements of a training program.3Most studies show that NAAP sedation is superior to standard sedation regimens regarding time to sedation and time to recovery. Patient satisfaction with propofol sedation ranges from equivalent to slightly superior when compared to standard sedation.4The use of anesthesiologist-administered propofol for healthy individuals undergoing elective endoscopy without risk factors for sedation-related complications is very costly, with no demonstrated improvement in patient safety or procedural outcome.5Further comparative trials of NAPS and BPS are warranted. © 2009 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the AGA Institute, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).