Myths, fallacies and practical pearls in GI lab

Abstract

Many prevalent practices and guidelines related to Gastrointestinal endoscopy and procedural sedation are at odds with the widely available scientific-physiological and clinical outcome data. In many institutions, strict policy of pre-procedural extended fasting is still rigorously enforced, despite no evidence of increased incidence of aspiration after recent oral intake prior to sedation. Supplemental oxygen administration in the setting of GI procedural sedation has been increasingly adopted as reported in the medical journals, despite clear evidence that supplemental oxygen blunts the usefulness of pulse oximetry in timely detection of sedation induced hypoventilation, leading to increased number of adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes. Use of Propofol by Gastroenterologist-Nurse team is erroneously considered dangerous and often prohibited in various institutions, at the same time worldwide reports of remarkable safety and patient satisfaction continue to be published, dating back more than a decade. Of patient monitoring practices that have been advocated to be standard, many merely add cost, not value. Advances in the technology often are not incorporated in a timely manner in guidelines or clinical practices, e.g., Capsule endoscopy or electrocautery during GI procedures do not interfere with proper functioning of the current pacemakers or defibrillators. Orthopedic surgeons have continued to recommend prophylactic antibiotics for joint replacement patients prior to GI procedures, without any evidence of need. These myths are explored for a succint review to prompt a change in clinical practices and institutional policies.

Keywords: Endoscopy gastrointestinal, Pulse oximetry, Oxygen supplemental, Propofol, Conscious sedation, Deep Sedation, Fasting preprocedural, Standards of Care, Clinical Practice Guidelines

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.