[Objective] To investigate the efficacy and safety of propofol in gastroscopy. [Methods] 698 patients in sedative group were treated with propofol alone, while 710 patients in control group were given no sedation. Procedure-related parameters, such as the recovery time, operative duration as well as the patient′s discomfort, co-operation and tolerance to the procedure were prospectively assessed. Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) were continuously monitored in all patients. [Results] 99.1% patients in sedative group compares with 26.3% patients in control group had not told any discomfort during gastrostropic procedures (P 0.05). The incidence rate of nausea and vomiting, hiccough, cough, restless and guttural discomfort in sedative group were 1.8%, 1.0%, 0.7%, 0.2% and 1.4% respectively, lower than those in control group accordingly. The operative duration in sedative group was significantly shorter than in control group (3.8±2.3 min VS 5.3±3.6 min; P 0.05). The recovery time in sedative group was (1.8±1.3) min. The blood pressure decreased significant by using propofol (P 0.05) but recovered after the procedure. [Conclusion] Propofol is an alternative drug for sedation that makes gastroscopy be performed safely and effectively.