Deep Sedation With Propofol by Nonanesthesiologists

fully performed. No patient required intubation. Tran- sient desaturation resolving spontaneously occurred in 134 (12.7%) of 1059 patients. Major desaturation requir- ing a short course of ventilation occurred in 4 (0.8%) of 483 patients undergoing upper endoscopies, in 1 (0.3%) of 287 patients undergoing painful procedures, and in none of the 289 patients undergoing colonoscopies. Laryngospasm occurred in 10 (2.1%) of 483 patients un- dergoing upper endoscopies. Conclusions: In this experience, the use of propofol with concurrent oxygen administration allowed sedations in children with no significant complications for colonos- copies and painful procedures. Complications in the group of upper endoscopies appear too high for recommend- ing propofol in a sedation unit with residents in atten- dance. This protocol of procedural sedation by nonanes- thesiologists allowed a significant increase in the number of procedures performed with sedation and saved anes- thesiology resources. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003;157:1097-1103