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

Evaluation of Nitrous Oxide Use in GI Endoscopy Procedures: Potential for Optimizing Sedation and Minimizing Side-Effects During Recovery

Nitrous oxide (commonly known as 'laughing gas') is often used during dental and other outpatient procedures, because it is easy to administer, is short-acting and rapidly clears from the body following the procedure.

The investigators hypothesize that use of Nitrous oxide during GI endoscopy may enhance patient comfort during the procedure and speed-up post-procedure recovery, while minimizing the fatigue and mental fogginess some patients report the day after receiving standard sedative and narcotic drugs used routinely for the procedure.

The investigators are interested in determining if adding Nitrous Oxide to commonly used sedation drugs will decrease fatigue, mental fogginess, and nausea/vomiting, as well as determine when the patient felt fully recovered from the effects of all sedatives given for the procedure.

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)