“Do you need general anesthesia for endoscopy?”

Endoscopy is done under iv sedation

Would depend on the type of endoscopy. Much easier on you though.

Typically no sedation is used but not general anesthesia

Marc A Morales MD

Endoscopy can be done with mild sedation, heavy sedation, or general anesthesia. The endoscopists often have their own preference as to how they prefer to do them. One issue is that many hospitals do so many endoscopes that there would not be enough anesthesia providers available to do all the procedures. As the patient, you can make your preferences known and ask what technique is commonly used at your facility. If you have a strong preference, discuss this with you endoscopist so that it may be properly scheduled. One common technique is to use a drug called propofol intravenously because it is provides short acting unconsciousness without causing nausea. It is almost always administered by an anesthesia provider. Sometimes it is done with sedation of midazolam and/or a short acting narcotic like fentanyl. In any case, be sure to let your doctor know if you have specific fears or medical issues which may require special consideration. Good luck!

there are different kinds of endoscopy procedures. Typically general anesthesia isn’t required. I use what is called total intravenous anesthesia with IV propofol. Propofol is infused in through your IV along with fentanyl and versed. This combination will work wonderful for you.

Endoscopy is a generic term that can mean looking into any natural orifices or surgical made incisions. Most stomach and colon endoscopy is done under sedation.

Steven Dain

It is now the standard of care to provide deep sedation for upper and lower endoscopic procedures. More involved endoscopic procedures such as ERCP may necessitate general anesthesia with the airway secured with an endotracheal tube.

For endoscopy the key is a good topical anesthesia. The endoscopy team will prepare you for the procedure. They will give you either lidocaine lozenges or Cetacaine spray to decrease the gag reflexes. They also give you either oral or IV relaxing medications so you will not remember the procedure. There is no need for general anesthesia for most of the endoscopic procedures. If the endoscopic procedure is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) you will have general anesthesia most likely. It is a long endoscopic procedure and sometimes painful also.