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

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional state 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: A total of 75 patients undergoing colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. Patients were informed about the procedure and their anxiety levels were assessed. The level of sedation was defined as a bispectral index of 60 and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of propofol. Patients’ characteristics, haemodynamic profiles, anxiety levels, 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. The anxiety scores were not correlated with the total propofol dosage, haemodynamic parameters, the time needed to reach a bispectral index value of 60, surgeon and patient satisfaction, and the time needed to regain consciousness. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 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.