Capnography-Guided Sedation: Effects on Patient Safety and Recovery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56802/vsja7624Keywords:
Capnography, Procedural sedation, Patient safety, End-tidal carbon dioxide, Respiratory monitoring, Recovery timeAbstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of capnography-guided sedation on patient safety and recovery outcomes during procedural sedation.
Methodology
This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients undergoing elective procedures under moderate sedation. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n = 30) was monitored using standard monitoring parameters along with continuous capnography, while Group B (n = 30) received standard monitoring alone. All patients were sedated using intravenous midazolam and fentanyl. Respiratory adverse events, time to detection of respiratory compromise, need for airway interventions, oxygen desaturation episodes, and recovery time were recorded and analyzed.
Results
The incidence of respiratory adverse events was significantly lower in the capnography group compared to the control group. Hypoventilation and apnea were observed less frequently in Group A. The mean time to detection of respiratory compromise was significantly shorter in the capnography group (18.4 ± 5.2 seconds) compared to the control group (54.6 ± 12.8 seconds; p < 0.001). Oxygen desaturation episodes and airway interventions were also significantly reduced in Group A. Recovery time was significantly shorter in patients monitored with capnography (21.3 ± 6.1 minutes) compared to the control group (32.8 ± 7.4 minutes; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Capnography-guided sedation improves patient safety by enabling early detection of respiratory compromise and enhances recovery outcomes by reducing recovery time. Routine use of capnography during procedural sedation may significantly improve clinical safety and efficiency.
