Effects of Intravenous Lidocaine During Sedation for Colonoscopy.

Investigation of the Effects of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion During Sedation for Colonoscopy

This study assesses the benefits of continuous intravenous lidocaine administration during sedation for colonoscopy.

Sedation will consist of propofol infusion titrated to provide adequate working conditions to the gastroenterologist. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: lidocaine infusion (bolus of 1.5 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 4 mg/kg/h) or the same volume of placebo (normal saline)

The potential benefits of lidocaine infusion will be tested on:

• propofol consumption (primary outcome)
• intraoperative respiratory depression
• time for patient recovery
• postoperative fatigue
• postoperative pain
• postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Inclusion Criteria:

• colonoscopy without gastroscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

• lidocaine allergy
• epilepsy
• severe heart rhythm disorders
• renal failure with creatinine clearance lower than 30ml/minute