Capnography is used to detect early changes in breathing in routine colonoscopy patients, but a recent trial suggests capnographic monitoring does not catch more cases of hypoxemia, according to a Medscape report.
The results of the randomized controlled trial evaluating the technology were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting.
"Does adding a device that costs more money, that requires extra training, that we are not sure works in patients who may not need it, worth it?" said Paresh Mehta, MD, a physician with the Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, according to the report.
The researchers concluded that capnographic monitoring is still an important tool in cases of deep sedation, but may not be necessary for colonoscopy patients undergoing only moderate sedation.
More articles on gastroenterology:
PENTAX Medical launches new HD endoscopes: 4 things to know
5 gastroenterologists making the news
11 statistics on gastroenterology & payer relationships
The results of the randomized controlled trial evaluating the technology were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting.
"Does adding a device that costs more money, that requires extra training, that we are not sure works in patients who may not need it, worth it?" said Paresh Mehta, MD, a physician with the Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, according to the report.
The researchers concluded that capnographic monitoring is still an important tool in cases of deep sedation, but may not be necessary for colonoscopy patients undergoing only moderate sedation.
More articles on gastroenterology:
PENTAX Medical launches new HD endoscopes: 4 things to know
5 gastroenterologists making the news
11 statistics on gastroenterology & payer relationships