“What kind of anesthesia is used for a colonoscopy?”
I will have a colonoscopy. What kind of anesthesia is used for a colonoscopy?
5 Answers
The most common “anesthesia” used today for colonoscopy is propofol chosen for its quick onset of action and minimal after-procedure sedation. Often this medication is administered by a third-party (anesthesiologist or CRNA) with cardiac and respiratory monitoring allowing the endoscopist full concentration on the procedure itself.
An alternative is sedation with one or two agents such as fentanyl and midazolam (Versed), meperidine and Versed, or Versed alone.
In some cases, anesthesia is not necessary depending on the patient’s colon length, wishes, and level of anxiety especially when performed by a skilled endoscopist cognizant of those maneuvers that can potentially be uncomfortable to the patient. However, some physicians or institutions “require” that the patient be “anesthetized.” Options should be discussed with the physician performing the procedure. Anesthesia should not be used to hide poor technique.
Frederick A Slezak MD MBA FACS FASCRS FACG
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Consultant
Alternate email: faslezak@gmail.com<mailto:faslezak@gmail.com>
Note: The enclosed information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and is intended for the use of the intended recipient only. Federal and Ohio laws protect information that may be disclosed in this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, disclosure, or copying of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately.
An alternative is sedation with one or two agents such as fentanyl and midazolam (Versed), meperidine and Versed, or Versed alone.
In some cases, anesthesia is not necessary depending on the patient’s colon length, wishes, and level of anxiety especially when performed by a skilled endoscopist cognizant of those maneuvers that can potentially be uncomfortable to the patient. However, some physicians or institutions “require” that the patient be “anesthetized.” Options should be discussed with the physician performing the procedure. Anesthesia should not be used to hide poor technique.
Frederick A Slezak MD MBA FACS FASCRS FACG
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Consultant
Alternate email: faslezak@gmail.com<mailto:faslezak@gmail.com>
Note: The enclosed information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and is intended for the use of the intended recipient only. Federal and Ohio laws protect information that may be disclosed in this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, disclosure, or copying of the contents is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately.
Normally IV sedation like propofol.
Normally conscious sedation.
Typically just some sedating medications through an IV. You will feel very sleepy and lethargic and you should have amnesia, meaning you will not remember it.
Colonoscopies are usually performed under either conscious sedation (given by the endoscopist) or intravenous general anesthesia given by an anesthesia provider. The medicines for this kind of general anesthesia often produce a profound sleep but rapid emergence and recovery with few side effects.
