Patient-controlled sedation with nitrous oxide for colonoscopy. First experiences

Background: Intravenous sedation for colonoscopy is associated with cardiorespiratory complications and delayed recovery. In this pilot survey the authors sought to determine whether patient-controlled sedation (PCS) using nitrous oxide (Livopan: 50% nitrous oxide, 50% oxigen) provides adequate analgesia for colonoscopy and the impact of this agent on recovery. Patients and Methods: 79 ASA I-II patients (man: woman = 40: 39, mean age: 62.3 years) undergoing elective colonoscopy received nitrous oxide with PCS method. The patients completed 4-point satisfection scale. The side effects, the success rate of colonos…