Name of the Procedure:

Injection, Propofol, 10 mg (J2704)

Common Name(s): Propofol administration, Anesthesia via Propofol
Technical/Medical Terms: Intravenous Propofol Injection, J2704

Summary

Propofol injection is a procedure in which a sedative medication called propofol is administered intravenously to induce and maintain anesthesia or sedation. This is typically done before surgeries, diagnostic tests, or other medical procedures requiring deep relaxation or unconsciousness.

Purpose

Propofol injection is used to:

• Induce general anesthesia for surgical procedures.
• Maintain sedation in patients undergoing minor surgery or diagnostic tests.
• Manage anesthesia in intensive care units (ICUs).

The goal is to enhance patient comfort, ensure stillness during procedures, and allow for rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia.

Indications

Propofol injection is appropriate for:

• Patients requiring anesthesia for surgery.
• Individuals needing sedation for diagnostic tests like endoscopies or colonoscopies.
• Patients in ICUs who need to remain sedated for mechanical ventilation.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Discontinuing or adjusting certain medications may be necessary.
• Pre-procedure assessments could include blood tests and a review of medical history to ensure safety.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Preparation: The patient is connected to monitoring devices (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels).
2. Medication Administration: Propofol is administered intravenously by an anesthesiologist or trained professional, typically through an IV line.
3. Monitoring: The patient's vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
4. Adjustment: Dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s response to maintain the desired level of sedation or anesthesia.
5. Completion: Once the procedure requiring sedation is over, the administration of propofol is ceased.

Tools and Equipment:

• IV catheter and tubing
• Propofol dosage (10 mg)
• Monitoring equipment (EKG, pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff)

Anesthesia: General anesthesia or deep sedation

Duration

The procedure typically takes a few minutes to administer, with the effect developing almost instantaneously. The duration of sedation lasts as long as the infusion continues.

Setting

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Surgical center

Personnel

• Anesthesiologist
• Nurse anesthetist
• Operating room or procedure room staff
• Monitoring technician

Risks and Complications

• Common: Pain at the injection site, hypotension, and respiratory depression.
• Rare: Allergic reactions, severe hypotension, or cardiac complications.

Management involves adjusting the medication dose, administering supportive treatments like fluids or medications, and monitoring the patient's status closely.

Benefits

• Rapid onset of sedation or anesthesia.
• Controlled, predictable depth of anesthesia.
• Quick recovery time after stopping the infusion.

Recovery

• Patients are monitored until they regain full consciousness and vital signs stabilize.
• Full recovery from the sedative effects typically occurs within minutes to an hour.
• Patients may experience grogginess and should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.

Alternatives

• Other intravenous anesthetic agents (e.g., midazolam, fentanyl).
• Inhaled anesthetics.
• Each alternative has its own risks and benefits. Propofol is preferred for its rapid onset and recovery.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients feel a quick onset of sleepiness and lose consciousness.
• After the procedure, patients may feel drowsy and might have minor discomfort at the injection site.
• Pain management and comfort measures are provided to alleviate any discomfort.