Is there such thing as a painless colonoscopy?
Is colonoscopy a painless procedure? If not then what are the other ones that are painless? Is an endoscopy or sigmoidoscopy painless too? I’m in my late 40s and want to get screened because there is history in my family of colon cancer and other problems. Are they going to put me under for this operation?
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You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
There is always a certain amount of discomfort associated with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and even virtual colonoscopy. For colonoscopy most practicioners will give moderate sedation to take away the sypmtoms of pain and help you not suffer through the procedure. Depending on the picture and the endoscopist, general anesthesia can be used also in the form of propofol (but only under the supervision of a trained anesthesiologist). This latter option does tend to cost more to you since you are paying for 2 physician fees, but is the most comfortable way of getting the procedure done.
Absolutely. Almost all colonoscopies are performed using some form of sedation. A properly sedated patient should not experience any significant discomfort. The type of sedation used will depend on your physician’s choice, either conscious sedation using a combination of a short acting sedative (such as Versed) and an opioid analgesic (such as Fentanyl or Demerol). Another type of a very effective sedative (deeper sedation) which is now being used more is Propofol.
Most colonoscopies are painless. You might have some slight discomfort because of gas which passes after the procedure. Colonoscopy is the only test indicated if you have a family history. Also, it is the best tolerated procedure.