Endoscopic sedation and monitoring practices in Portugal: a nationwide web-based survey

BACKGROUND: National surveys have been used to obtain information on sedation and monitoring practices in endoscopy in several countries. AIMS: To provide data from Portugal and query the Portuguese endoscopists on nonanesthesiologist administration of propofol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 31-item web survey was sent to all 490 members of the Portuguese Society of Gastroenterology. RESULTS: A total of 129 members (26%) completed the questionnaire; 57% worked in both public and private practice. Most performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy without sedation (public - 70%; private - 57%) and colonoscopies with sedation (public - 64%; private - 69%). Propofol was the most commonly used agent for colonoscopy, especially in private practice (52 vs. 33%), and it provided the best satisfaction (mean 9.6/10). A total of 94% chose propofol as the preferred sedation for routine colonoscopy. Nonanesthesiologist administration of propofol was performed only by four respondents; however, 71% reported that they would consider its use, given adequate training. Pulse oximetry is monitored routinely (99%); oxygen supplementation is administered by 81% with propofol and 42% with traditional sedation. Most (82%) believed that propofol sedation may increase the uptake of endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: The use of sedation is routine practice in colonoscopy, but not esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The preferred agent is propofol and it is used almost exclusively by anesthesiologists..