3 ms·
Why have general anesthesia for a colonoscopy? It seems that's an unnecessary risk for a procedure that can easily be done without.
by nicolas_t 2y ago
Why have general anesthesia for a colonoscopy? It seems that's an unnecessary risk for a procedure that can easily be done without.
- ggm 2y agoIt was the classic double of gastro and colon. Rather than a full general I may have been given what is called twilight. Beyond not having intubation, you still don't recall the procedure and afaik it's the same drugs and brain effects. Also if they do find polyps, and burn, or take biopsy I am told it's not exactly easy. They have to move you around. Asleep or dozing may be simpler. You're inflated.
- nicolas_t 2y agoI ask because I've done colonoscopy a few times (I have IBS plus family history of colon cancer) and not once did I get general anesthesia or anything that impacts my brain. It hurts a bit (mostly from the gaz they use to inflate the colon) and yes taking biopsy is a quick sharp pain but it's really not that bad. Likewise for endoscopy (that's significantly more uncomfortable than colonoscopy though). At least in Europe and in Japan, general anesthesia is not part of the sop.