Conscious sedation for patients undergoing enteroclysis: Comparing the safety and patient-reported effectiveness of two protocols

Abstract Objective To compare the safety and patient-reported effectiveness of two regimens for conscious sedation during enteroclysis. Materials and methods We surveyed two groups of outpatients and retrospectively reviewed procedure records for conscious sedation and complications. Patients were divided into Group One (received sedative/amnesic diazepam), and Group Two, (received amnesic/sedative, midazolam and analgesic fentanyl). Results All enteroclyses were successfully completed; there were no hospital admissions due to complications. In Group One ( n  = 106), mean dose of diazepam was 12.7 mg. 25% had oxygen desaturation ( n  = 25), and post-procedure vomiting without aspiration ( n  = 1). 56% of outpatients completed phone surveys, and 68% recalled procedural discomfort. In Group Two ( n  = 45), mean doses were 3.9 mg midazolam and 108 mcg fentanyl. 31% had desaturation ( n  = 13), and post-procedure vomiting without aspiration ( n  = 1). 87% had only a vague recall of the procedure or of any discomfort. Conclusion A combination of amnesic and fentanyl prevented the recall of discomfort of nasoenteric intubation and infusion in most patients who had enteroclysis compared to diazepam. Most of the patients would undergo the procedure again, if needed.