Does Pre-procedural Anxiety Affect the Consumption of Sedatives During Colonoscopy?

Objective: Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional stat with systemic effects. The anxiety level of the patients may increase the requirements for sedation during colonoscopy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pre-procedural anxiety on the dose of propofol.

Methods: After ethical approval and informed consent, a total of 75 patients undergoing colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. Patients were informed about the procedure and the anxiety levels were assessed. The level of sedation was defined as a Bispectral Index (BIS) of 60 and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of propofol. Patients' characteristics, hemodynamic profiles, anxiety levels, the propofol dosage and complications were recorded. The procedure duration, difficulty score for colonoscopy assessed by the surgeon, and the patient's and surgeon's satisfaction with sedation instrument scores were recorded.

Results: A total of 66 patients were studied.Demographic and procedural data were similar among groups. The anxiety scores were not correlated with the total propofol dosage, hemodynamic parameters, the time needed to reach a BIS value of 60, surgeon and patient satisfaction and the time needed to regain consciousness. No complications were observed.

Conclusion: In patients receiving deep sedation for elective colonoscopies, the pre-procedural anxiety level is not related to sedative requirement, post-procedural recovery, or surgeon and patient satisfaction.