Psychomotor recovery and blood propofol level in colonoscopy when using propofol sedation

Background: It is commonly recommended that patients refrain from driving for 24 hours after endoscopy for which sedation is given. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate psychomotor recovery and blood propofol concentrations after colonoscopy with propofol sedation to determine whether driving might be safe. Design: A prospective, consecutive study. Setting: Municipal hospital outpatients. Patients: This study involved 48 consecutive patients scheduled for colonoscopy with propofol sedation. Intervention: Patient clinical features, psychomotor recovery, and blood concentrations of propofol were assessed. Psychomotor recovery was assessed before colonoscopy and 1 and 2 hours after colonoscopy by using the number connection test and a driving simulator test. Main Outcome Measurements: Clinical features, psychomotor recovery, and blood concentration of propofol. Results: All patients successfully completed the post-sedation assessments. Although there was a significant difference in results of the number connection test between before colonoscopy and 1 hour after colonoscopy, all number connection test results were within normal limits (<40 seconds). Scores were as follows: mean time (standard deviation) before colonoscopy, 32.2 (2.0) seconds (range 29-36 seconds) versus after colonoscopy, 32.7 (2.0) seconds (range 27-38 seconds); P = .0019. Driving skills had recovered to the baseline levels 1 hour after colonoscopy. Scores were as follows: tracking error (%) before colonoscopy, 45.0 (5.6) versus after colonoscopy, 46.0 (5.5); P = .61; accelerating reaction time in seconds before colonoscopy, 0.65 (0.15) versus after colonoscopy, 0.62 (0.14); P = .40; braking reaction time in seconds before colonoscopy, 0.58 (0.13) versus after colonoscopy, 0.61 (0.13); P = .50. Limitations: Small sample size, single-center study. Conclusion: Although consistent findings on the number connection test and driving simulation (psychomotor recovery) test are present as early as 1 hour after propofol sedation, a study of additional numbers of patients as well as different patient populations are needed before these results can be universally recommended. (Gastrointest Enclose 2012;75:506-12.)