Nitrous Oxide for Colonoscopy

Fixed 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to reduce lumbar‐puncture‐induced pain: a randomized controlled trial

“…Our study is the first adequately powered, randomized, double‐blind trial to compare fixed 50% N 2 O−O 2 mixture versus placebo, given during an LP. Our result showing both good efficacy and safety is in accordance with previous studies focusing on other procedural pain . Indeed, nitrous oxide is used only rarely in adults, for minor painful procedures, and this use is based on a very limited number of well conducted trials with appropriate control groups and sample sizes .…”

“…Our result showing both good efficacy and safety is in accordance with previous studies focusing on other procedural pain . Indeed, nitrous oxide is used only rarely in adults, for minor painful procedures, and this use is based on a very limited number of well conducted trials with appropriate control groups and sample sizes . A recent meta‐analysis found that nitrous oxide was as efficient as and safer than various pain relief methods used during colonoscopy .…”

“…Indeed, nitrous oxide is used only rarely in adults, for minor painful procedures, and this use is based on a very limited number of well conducted trials with appropriate control groups and sample sizes . A recent meta‐analysis found that nitrous oxide was as efficient as and safer than various pain relief methods used during colonoscopy . Nonetheless, the interest of its use is controversial due to a lack of efficacy in some medical situations to frequent adverse effects in others and because some anaesthesiologists think that its use is obsolete .…”

Nitrous oxide use during colonoscopy: a national survey of English screening colonoscopists

“…This is in keeping with the BSG guidelines that suggest Entonox may be best used during moderately painful procedures 8. Although this statement implies that intravenous medications are more efficacious than Entonox, a recent Cochrane review reported there were no clear differences between Entonox and intravenous sedatives with regards to pain relief, but highlighted the need for further high-quality studies 3. However, the potency of Entonox remains poorly defined,9 and further studies are clearly indicated.…”

“…Randomised studies describing the use of Entonox during colonoscopy were first published 20 years ago 2. Entonox has shown to be safe, well tolerated and reduces time to discharge compared with intravenous sedatives 3. However, occasional patients find it difficult to activate the demand valve.…”