The nature of anesthesia and procedural sedation outside of the operating room

Abstract

Purpose of review: Procedural sedation and monitored anesthesia care have become increasingly common in locations outside of the operating room. The different types of procedures are presented along with pertinent safety issues with the use of different drug combinations.

Recent findings: Based on the annual data from one hospital, of approximately 63,000 patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures under sedation or anesthesia, 41% were sedated by non-anesthesiologists. Monitored anesthesia care was given to 0.4% of patients outside of the operating room. Events associated with monitored anesthesia care have been related to age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and obesity. Without the use of capnography, significant delays in the detection of apnea were demonstrable. Respiratory compromise with propofol for sedation appears less than that described for sedation using opiates and benzodiazepines.

Summary: The number and types of procedures done outside of the operating room are steadily increasing. Sedation for these is often provided by nonanesthesiologists. A quality assurance system dedicated to track events associated with procedural sedation and anesthesia done outside of the operating room is instrumental for the maintenance of exemplary quality of sedation and safety of our patients.