“Are you asleep during a colonoscopy?”
I need to have a colonoscopy next week. Will I be getting anesthesia for it? Will I be asleep?
6 Answers
Yes. Heavy IV sedation is given and you usually won't remember.
You may or may not be asleep during a colonoscopy. Even if you are not asleep, you may not remember the procedure. And even if you are given medications which make you appear to be asleep, you may remembers portions of the procedure.
Colonoscopies are performed with or without anesthesia. I recommend with anesthesia. Some endoscopists give their own sedation... often midazolam (Versed) and fentanyl. This is usually given through an intravenous line. Adding an anesthesia provider to administer propofol via the intravenous line will normally increase the cost to the patient and/or the insurance provider. Propofol anesthesia for colonoscopy is usually considered the most preferable method according to patients due to the rapid onset, clearance, and lack of side effects. If you have propofol administered for the procedure you should have no memory of the colonoscopy being performed. Ask your endoscopist what type of anesthesia they provide and negotiate from there. Good luck!
You usually receive light to deep sedation depending on where you will be getting your scope. Phone them and ask.
Yes
Usually, colonoscopy is performed under deep IV sedation. This has become standard of care.
