Endosocpy and Sedation with Propofol

Host: Mark DeLegge, MD

Guest: Lawrence Cohen, MD

Propofol is used for deep sedation, and is often preferred by patients undergoing an endoscopy, since it's a short-acting agent. Can it be administered safely and effectively by trained gastroenterologists, or should an anesthesiologist be present to monitor the procedure? Dr. Larry Cohen, associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, joins host Dr. Mark DeLegge to discuss the benefits, costs and risks of using propofol during endoscopy. From a medical-legal perspective, are gastroenterologists at more risk if they administer propofol during endoscopy than they would be if an anesthesiologist had been present?