Millions of colonoscopies and other gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in the US each year. In 2009, more than 55 million gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were performed.

Endoscopy is usually a safe procedure and the risk of serious complications is very low. In looking at colonoscopies, which constitute about half of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, overall serious adverse event rate was 2.8 per 1000 procedures and the death rate was just 0.03 percent, according to guidelines published by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

However, the risk of complication rises with the use of sedation. The goal of sedation when used in colonoscopies and other gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures is safely and effectively manage any pain, discomfort, or anxiety the patient may have during the procedure. Continue reading “Reducing Adverse Events and Death from Colonoscopies and Other Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures” →