Is an anesthesiologist's presence justified during therapeutic laser endoscopy?
Diagnostic endoscopy has generally been done under intravenous sedation. Diazepam and meperidine are the two most frequent drugs used. Even though these drugs produce sedation, analgesia, and amnesia, they do not provide a quiet field. Therapeutic laser endoscopy requires a quiet field. We conclude that an anesthesiologist is needed at the head of the table. Despite the increased cost of the procedure, the anesthesiologist is able to tailor the anesthesia to fit the needs of both the patient and the endoscopist.
D000758:Anesthesia; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D053685:Laser Therapy