“Is anesthesia used during colonoscopies?”
I'm going to have my colonoscopy soon--really as a precautionary measure because colon cancer runs in my family. My only question is am I going to be receiving some sort of anesthesia for the procedure? My doctor says that I'm going to be awake during the procedure, so I'm a little nervous about whether or not I'm going to be feeling anything during the procedure.
2 Answers
Nearly every colonoscopy uses IV sedation as a routine. It seems odd that you were told that you be awake for the procedure. I would inquire why there is no plan to sedate you.
Every State has different laws and rules. Insurance Companies are unfortunately in control of patient's care management.
In Florida, it is customary for most patients to receive Propofol deep sedation by an Anesthesiologist or a care team formed by an Anesthesiologist that medically directs a Nurse Anesthetist or a Certified Anesthesia Assistant.
There are other areas or States, where the Gastroenterologist that performs your colonoscopy, works with an RN that injects sedatives such as Midazolam and/or Narcotic Medications, such as Demerol or fentanyl through the procedure; this RN exclusively administers the sedatives and monitors your vital signs.
In those States, some insurances allow patients that have significant medical problems to have an Anesthesiologist administering the Anesthesia. Example, Coronary Artery disease, or COPD, or Severe Diabetes with Neuropathy, uncontrolled hypertension, etc. In this case, your Gastroenterologist knows how to request approval for an Anesthesiologist from the insurance.
In Florida, it is customary for most patients to receive Propofol deep sedation by an Anesthesiologist or a care team formed by an Anesthesiologist that medically directs a Nurse Anesthetist or a Certified Anesthesia Assistant.
There are other areas or States, where the Gastroenterologist that performs your colonoscopy, works with an RN that injects sedatives such as Midazolam and/or Narcotic Medications, such as Demerol or fentanyl through the procedure; this RN exclusively administers the sedatives and monitors your vital signs.
In those States, some insurances allow patients that have significant medical problems to have an Anesthesiologist administering the Anesthesia. Example, Coronary Artery disease, or COPD, or Severe Diabetes with Neuropathy, uncontrolled hypertension, etc. In this case, your Gastroenterologist knows how to request approval for an Anesthesiologist from the insurance.
