Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Abstract

Entonox provides rapid and effective analgesia without heavy sedation, leads to adequate relaxation and cooperation, and facilitates quick and efficient endoscopy. The effect of Entonox was of short duration, allowing the children to leave the endoscopy unit without need for a long recovery period. The adverse effects of Entonox appeared to be minor, and their duration was always brief. Nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation may provide a valuable alternative to conventional sedation regimens during gastrointestinal endoscopy in children, but randomized and prospective studies comparing nitrous oxide sedation and conventional sedation regimens are necessary.