Can Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) be Used as a Sedative for GI Endoscopy Procedures?

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · May 24, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," can help make patients more comfortable during gastrointestinal (GI) procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies. Researchers believe that using nitrous oxide alongside usual sedatives might reduce feelings of tiredness, mental fog, and nausea that some patients experience after their procedures. The goal is to see if this combination can help patients recover quicker and feel better overall.

To participate, you need to be at least 18 years old, not pregnant, and scheduled for an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. You should also be willing and able to follow the study's guidelines. If you join the trial, you'll receive nitrous oxide along with standard sedation during your procedure, and the team will monitor how you feel afterward. It’s important to note that people with certain allergies or those taking part in other medical studies may not be eligible. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so it could be a good opportunity to help improve comfort for future patients undergoing these common procedures.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Non-pregnant patients age 18 and older
• • Patient's presenting for upper endoscopy or colonoscopy under endoscopist- directed nurse sedation.
• • Patient is willing and able to consent and comply with study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age \<18
• • Potentially vulnerable subjects including, homeless people, pregnant females, employees and students.
• • Participation in another investigational study that may directly or indirectly affect the results of this study within 30 days prior to the initial visit
• • Allergy to the proposed anesthetic agents (e.g. nitrous oxide, midazolam, fentanyl, diphenhydramine)