Colonoscopy under anesthesia

A study of the intestine using a long, flexible apparatus equipped with a microscopic video camera is called a colonoscopy . This procedure in most cases is quite unpleasant for the patient, and sometimes painful because of the need to introduce a colonoscope into the anus and move it to the dome of the cecum while simultaneously injecting air into the cavity of the organ. Therefore, in modern clinics, most commonly a colonoscopy is performed under anesthesia. There are only 3 types of premedication - local, general anesthesia and sedation.

Colonoscopy with local anesthesia

This method of anesthesia consists in processing the anus and the tip of the colonoscope with local anesthetics.

This technique is practiced everywhere, but is rarely welcomed by patients. Such anesthesia only slightly smoothes the painfulness of the procedure, but discomfort is felt to the fullest throughout the study of the intestine. Especially unpleasant feelings arise if during a colonoscopy the doctor makes a biopsy of the detected tumors or polyps , pinching off a piece of the build-up.

Whether do or make a colonoscopy of an intestine under the general or common narcosis?

This technique of premedication provides absolute comfort to the patient, since his consciousness is completely depressed during the procedure.

Despite the apparent attractiveness of the described method of anesthesia, there are many dangers associated with it. The fact is that general anesthesia increases the risk of developing severe complications of both a colonoscopy and anesthesia itself. In addition, a number of difficulties arise due to the need to constantly monitor the patient's condition. Therefore, diagnosis using general premedication is performed in operating with the preparation of all equipment that may be required for unforeseen complications of the event.

Colonoscopy with partial anesthesia

The recommended and best option for anesthesia for conducting a diagnostic procedure is sedation. Such anesthesia is the introduction of the patient into a state of half-sleep with a blunting of all unpleasant sensations through medication. As a result, during the colonoscopy there are no painful sensations at all, and even memories and possible discomfort do not remain. Thus the person remains in consciousness, and the risks of development of any complications and consequences of anesthesia are minimal.