“When is general anesthesia used for colonoscopy?”
I will have a colonoscopy. When is general anesthesia used for a colonoscopy?
5 Answers
Colonoscopies are done under I/V sedation. No need for general Anesthesia
Let’s say that it is unusual to have GA for Colonoscopy. Because this
procedure is least painful and minimally invasive. That’s why it’s done
usually either with IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care. Although GA
could be a choice in pediatric population or developmentally delayed
patients.
procedure is least painful and minimally invasive. That’s why it’s done
usually either with IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care. Although GA
could be a choice in pediatric population or developmentally delayed
patients.
Typically, a colonoscopy is done under conscious sedation. This means you will be sleepy, and generally unaware of the procedure, but can be aroused with stimulus. This does not require general anesthesia.
Only when the patient has comorbid conditions that makes it risky to put him/her to sleep without protecting the airway. For example, elderly patients, those with significant pulmonary or cardiac disease, people with severe sleep apnea or tracheal problems like tracheal stenosis.
The vast majority of ambulatory patients do not need general anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy.
The vast majority of ambulatory patients do not need general anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy.
Normally, never.
