Attitudes and Behaviors of Gastroenterology Specialists Toward Sedation Practices in Endoscopy Units in Turkey: Is Anesthesia Mandatory?

Introduction: At present, sedation and analgesia have become an integral part of gastrointestinal endoscopy. This study aimed to provide data on the attitudes and behaviors of gastroenterology specialists toward sedation practices in endoscopy units in Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study included a total of 744 gastroenterology specialists, who are members of the Turkish Gastroenterology Association. They were invited by e-mail to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 18 items on sedation practices implemented during procedures in the endoscopy unit. Questionnaire responses were statistically analyzed. Results: All patients who underwent endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic submucosal dissection, received sedation. The sedation rates were 97.9% (n=138) in colonoscopy and 72.3% (n=102) in gastroscopy. With regard to the frequency of sedation, 33 (23.4%) used sedation for all patients, 55 (39%) used it frequently, and 15 (10.6%) used it rarely. The current anesthesia team in endoscopy units consisted of anesthesiologists (53.2%) and anesthesia technicians (60.3%).