Effect of Esketamine Added to Propofol Sedation on Desaturation and Hypotension in Bidirectional Endoscopy

A clinical trial reveals the efficacy of low-dose esketamine as an adjuvant to propofol-based sedation in same-visit bidirectional endoscopy. Adding low-dose esketamine to propofol sedation during bidirectional endoscopy significantly reduced the incidence of desaturation and hypotension by approximately 61%, compared to a placebo. In a randomized trial involving 660 patients, esketamine administration led to a lower risk of adverse events, including desaturation (64% reduction), hypotension (67% reduction), and decreased propofol requirements. These findings support using esketamine as a beneficial adjuvant in propofol-based sedation for endoscopic procedures.