Reduction of Conscious Sedation Requirements by Olfactory Stimulation

Colonoscopy for investigation of lower gastrointestinal complaints or for colon cancer screening is one of the more frequent procedures performed by the Divisions of General Surgery and Gastroenterology. Traditionally, this has been performed while under conscious sedation (medication induced) which may improve patient acceptance and tolerance of the procedure but adds to the operative risk of the procedure. The investigators propose a randomized prospective blinded trial to assess the utility of adding pleasing olfactory stimulation to the inhaled oxygen during the conscious sedation for colonoscopy in an effort to reduce the total doses of sedatives required while maintaining a similar level of sedation. This may decrease the overall period of recovery for the patient, increase the number of procedures which may be accomplished, and decrease the potential complications related to conscious sedation.