A survey of procedural sedation for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy in India.

BACKGROUND

Sedation practices for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures (PGEP) vary based on infrastructure, availability of trained personnel, and local protocols. Data on prevalent sedation practices is lacking from India. This study aimed to survey the sedation practices for PGEP in India.

METHODS

A mailing list was constituted with the e-mail addresses of the members of the Indian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Association of Surgeons of India, Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, and Indian Society of Gastroenterology. The web-based survey was sent by e-mail.

RESULTS

Of the 498 recipients, who responded through the survey link, 91 did not complete the survey. Among those who completed the survey, 91 performed PGEP. Among these 91, 12.1 % performed PGEP without sedation or general anesthesia. Anesthetist involvement was associated with use of propofol based-sedation. Of the respondents, 70.3 % found non-anesthetist administered propofol sedation unacceptable while 38.5 % of the centers had a policy against it. Two-thirds of the respondents were assisted by an anesthetist for most PGEP. An operating room (OR) was used for PGEPs by 23.1 %. PGEP in a non-teaching hospital, non-availability of pediatrician in the endoscopy room, use of an OR for PGEP, and the easy availability of an anesthetist were strongly associated with the involvement of an anesthetist.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey indicates a high frequency of involvement of anesthetists and use of OR. This survey should serve as an impetus to evaluate the cost of PGEP in India and the training accorded to non-anesthetists for procedural sedation.