Background: Moderate sedation during endoscopy may pose increased risks among obese patients.
Objective: To review the literature that considers aspects of sedation within the obese population and to identify gaps in our knowledge.
Design: Literature-based review.
Results: There may be increased risks among obese patients undergoing moderate sedation. In particular, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea may identify a subset of patients at higher risk for complications.
Limitations: English language literature only.
Conclusions: Although obesity may be associated with increased risks of procedural sedation, future studies should better clarify such risks to better inform clinical decision making.