Introduction

Propofol (PPF) is a short-acting, highly lipophilic intravenous agent with sedative, hypnotic, antiemetic, and amnestic properties. Acting through GABA receptor agonism and NMDA antagonism, it ensures rapid onset (30–45 seconds) and swift recovery, making it ideal for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Since 1995, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has supported the use of non-anaesthesiologist providers for sedation in endoscopy. Countries including Colombia have adopted this approach, especially given the limited availability of anaesthesiologists. In the United States, fewer than 20% of colonoscopy sedations are delivered by anaesthesiologists. Recent studies report comparable safety profiles for trained non-anaesthesiologist and anaesthesiologist-administered sedation, with reduced cardiovascular complications and lower healthcare costs. However, Latin American real-world data on this model remain scarce.

Aims & Methods

This prospective, analytical prevalence study assessed the safety and effectiveness of propofol sedation administered by a general physician with specific training in sedation, airway management, and intensive care, within an ambulatory endoscopy unit. From March 2023 to April 2024, adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing colonoscopy at the Centro de Gastroenterología y Endoscopia in Bogotá were included. The physician administered age-tailored propofol bolus and maintenance doses according to clinical guidelines and procedure duration. Exclusion criteria included ASA IV status or contraindications to propofol. Sedation regimens were as follows:

• <40 years: 180 mg IV bolus; 60 mg maintenance every 5 min
• 41–70 years: 160 mg IV bolus; 50 mg maintenance every 5 min
• ≥71 years: 150 mg IV bolus; 30 mg maintenance every 5 min

Results

A total of 2,032 patients were enrolled; mean age 64 years (95% CI: 62.8–65.1), 60% female. The mean BMI was 27 (95% CI: 25.8–27.1). Colonoscopy indications included screening (35%), diagnostic evaluation (40%), surveillance (20%), and therapeutic intervention (5%), including 101 patients undergoing polypectomy. Comorbidity prevalence was notable: cardiovascular (30%), gastrointestinal (30%), respiratory (15%), neurological (5%), allergic (3%), and haematological (3%).
ASA risk classification revealed:

• ASA I: 14% (n=284)
• ASA II: 60% (n=1,219)
• ASA III: 26% (n=528)

Conclusion

This real-world study confirms that propofol sedation administered by non-anaesthesiologist physicians with critical care training is both safe and effective for the vast majority of patients undergoing colonoscopy in ambulatory settings. These findings support a task-sharing model that maximises resource efficiency while maintaining patient safety. In health systems with limited anaesthesiologist availability, this approach allows specialists to focus on higher-risk ASA IV patients in tertiary-level settings. Widespread adoption of this model, with appropriate training, could reduce costs, increase procedural throughput, and improve access to high-quality endoscopic care in Latin America and similar settings.

References

• Sato M, Horiuchi A, Tamaki M, et al. Safety and effectiveness of nurse-administered propofol sedation in outpatients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;17(6):1098–1104.e1. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2018.06.025.
• Ferreira AO, Torres J, Barjas E, et al. Non-anesthesiologist administration of propofol sedation for colonoscopy is safe in low-risk patients: results of a noninferiority randomized controlled trial. Endoscopy. 2016;48(8):747–753. doi:10.1055/s-0042-105560.
• Lucendo AJ, Olveira A, Friginal-Ruiz AB, et al. Nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol sedation for colonoscopy is safe and effective: a prospective Spanish study over 1000 consecutive exams. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012;24(7):787–792. doi:10.1097/MEG.0b013e328353fcbc.

Introduction

There is minimal data to support a recommendation to perform colonic stenting (SEMs) in the right colon, but particularly in malignancy in the region of the ileocaecal valve, where only small bowel dilatation results from obstruction. This scenario poses technical challenges in endoscopic access in unprepared proximal colon, and relating to the anatomy of the ileocaecal valve. One recent case series included 13 patients with reported success rate and equivalent outcomes to left-sided stents with median survival of 4 months, although a two-step procedure was described¹.

Aims & Methods

In our centre we attempt self-expanding metal stent insertion (SEMs) in cases of malignant ileocaecal obstruction, which constitutes ~9% of our overall SEMs caseload. We report our outcomes and, as an important metric for palliative patients, stoma-free survival in the context of colorectal cancer management. We perform stenting using colonoscopy to access the stricture and fluoroscopy for wire and stent deployment, with both over the wire and through the scope techniques.

Results

25 patients, median age 77 years, underwent intention to stent for colorectal malignancy at the ileocaecal junction, where stent deployment into the ileum would be necessary to overcome the obstruction. Clinical success with life-time avoidance of surgery or stoma was 68% without any adverse events from attempting SEMs. Median survival was 206 days, compared to 167 days in those where stenting was unsuccessful. This was not significantly different to median stoma-free survival of 272 days for all SEMs patients in our database. One patient, after technically successful stent deployment, re-obstructed within 7 days and underwent surgery. There were no other early or late complications in either group. Reasons for technical failure in 6 cases was inability to pass a wire into the ileum, bowel preparation in 1 case, and failure to adequately resolve obstruction in the aforementioned patient.

Conclusion

Stenting malignant colonic obstruction of the ileocaecal region is more technically challenging but does not appear to disadvantage patients after an unsuccessful procedure. Stoma or surgery is avoided in 68% cases in intention to treat analysis of 25 patients and median survival of 206 days is equivalent to other colonic stent locations.

References

1. Fujisawa et al. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 826