**4. Conclusion**

Sedation practices are extremely varied, having individual particularities throughout different regions of the world. Cultural, religious, ethical and procedural aspects come into play, dictating the use of a particular type of sedation, exclusion of different classes of agents, or even banning sedation altogether. Even though no or minimum sedation do provide higher safety and shorter follow-up periods, there is an increased tendency, especially in Western patients, to expect some level of sedation. As well as different levels of sedation, different levels of qualification of the individual providing the sedation are expected, depending on the location and the type of the medical unit and the complexity of the investigation.

In current practice, a various number of sedative agents are used, each with their respective indications and strengths, balanced by a series of unwelcome side-effects and inerrant shortcomings. Particularities such as age, gender, associated conditions, even weight and height, should be taken into consideration when choosing a particular type of sedation level or determining the use of a specific agent. Pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopies present particularities when considering sedation, given the distinctive morphological features of the young, developing body. Particular conditions, such as pregnancy or lactation, should come into play as well, restricting the use of particular agents with proven or suspected effects on the fetus or infant.
