More gastroenterologists and insurance companies are beginning to prefer the sedative propofol over traditional sedation for colonoscopies, despite the increased cost, according to a report in The Buffalo News.
Three details:
1. Propofol can cost $300 to $500 to administer. The drug is preferable due to its ability to put patients to sleep faster, meaning GIs may be able to find more precancerous lesions during a colonoscopy. Patients sedated with propofol also wake up easier with fewer side effects like nausea.
2. Traditionally, GI practices use a combination of benzodiazepine and an opiate to put patients under for a colonoscopy.
3. Propofol often requires an anesthesiologist or registered nurse anesthesiologist to administer it, while the traditional method can be administered by physicians of any specialty.
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