INTRODUCTION: Non-anaesthesiologist-administered propofol sedation (NAPS/NAAP) is increasingly used in many countries. Most regimens aim for light or moderate sedation. Little evidence on safety of deep NAPS sedation is available. The aim of this study was to explore the safety of intermittent deep sedation with NAPS in patients undergoing gastroenterologic endoscopic procedures.

METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study. All patients sedated with NAPS for colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies and oesophagogastroduodenoscopies from May 2007 through December 2012 were included. Cases were defined as patients developing an adverse event (oxygen saturation < 92%, a drop in mean arterial pressure of > 30% or a drop in systolic blood pressure of > 50 mmHg). The remaining patients served as controls.

RESULTS: A total of 6,840 consecutive patients undergoing 7,364 procedures were included. The mean propofol dose was 331.6 mg (standard deviation = 179.4 mg). The overall rate of hypoxia was 3.2%, and the rate of hypotension was 3.1%. Assisted ventilation was needed in 0.5%. Age (p < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 (p = 0.017) and total propofol dose (p = 0.001) were associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

CONCLUSION: Safety during intermittent deep sedation with NAPS was good. Age, ASA class 3 and total propofol dose were correlated with a higher rate of adverse events. Patients aged 60 years or more needed more handling during adverse events.

FUNDING: Arvid Nilsson's Foundation provided funding for this study. The founders did not have any influence on the design or the presentation of the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.