Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/8/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Levy,
Hope you are back in Galveston. 10 or 15 years ago I had my first Colonoscopy and they just relaxed me. There was a little discomfort from the air pressure. After they found my Carcinoid tumor I would request not to be fully put under because the danger from the anesthesia is greater in older sick people. I do not find the air pressure more than a little uncomfortable. That time I was able to watch the video screen. Every time later they put me under against my instructions. Why?

Answer
You need to be more specific about being "put under". Generally for colonoscopy we give several drugs which relax you but also cause amnesia. Patients don't remember the procedure and therefore assume they were put to sleep when in fact they were just heavily sedated. You would need to look at your medical records to see if they gave you a general anesthetic. If they did that against your express wishes, that is wrong (unless they can justify the medical need).


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston