Colonoscopy and Timing of Sedation

Abstract

Adequate sedation of patients for endoscopic procedures has been associated with increased tolerance and acceptability of the procedures. The study aim is to determine if the timing of sedation in relation to the procedure start time is related to patient comfort scores for adult patients undergoing a screening colonoscopy at the Colon Cancer Screening Center (CCSC). A review of 176 randomly selected charts from completed procedures was conducted at the CCSC. Nine data points and comfort scores that are routinely collected during admission and colonoscopy procedures were compiled and analyzed to discover any existing relationships. No significant relationship was discovered between the timing of the sedation, procedure length and patient comfort during colonoscopy procedures at the CCSC. Although no significant relationship was discovered, important baseline data was the result of this study. Further study is needed to understand the factors associated with patient discomfort during colonoscopy procedures.