Squamous papilloma causing airway obstruction during conscious sedation

Abstract

Monitoring for respiratory depression is essential during conscious sedation. We report a case of a squamous papilloma as an unusual cause of intermittent partial airway obstruction in a 43-year-old man undergoing intravenous conscious sedation with midazolam. The Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI) is an algorithm included in some commercially available monitors that constitutes a representation of 4 parameters: end-tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse rate. We discuss the potential of the IPI as a monitoring tool during sedation.