Gastroenterologist Questions Gastroenterologist

Can a colonoscopy be done without anesthesia?

I am a 48 year old male. I want to know if a colonoscopy can be done without anesthesia?

5 Answers

Yes, I have performed colonoscopy without sedation in pt’s that requested it in the past - It may be a bit uncomfortable.
Yes. That is becoming less common, but I have done quite a few.
Feasible but painful
No, air is used to extend the colon, which is very painful and you have a foreign body is your body. There would be a lot of perforations. Even with anesthesia perforation still occurs.
Yes, it can, but most people will feel discomfort or pain and would rather not feel that. Some people will find it intolerable without sedation. Every patient is different but most need at least some sedation.