Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/20/2009

Question
I just wanted to say thank you for your response about propofol for a colonoscopy.  You were right on target and helped my to assauge my anxiety.

I just had my first colonoscopy. I had been petrified about having one for years due to the sedation everyone said I had to have.

Well, I couldn't convince them to do the procedure without any sedation, so I just hoped for the best. They used propofol and my insurance covers an anesthesiologist.

So I had it at 8 this morning and I am here to say that it was a breeze. I was worried and anxious over nothing. I was out for just a few minutes while the doctor went into my colon, then they  brought me around to watch the withdrawel of the scope and the cutting of the polyps. (I did have 6 tiny ones.)  It was a simple, easy experience, I recovered immediately. Was a little groggy so took a nap for an hour and woke up fine. All in all, I started to undress at about 8:20 and was in the recovery room just before 9.

My question now is, when they say that they do not have a reversal agent for propofol, does that make it more risky? Ar ethere other recourses if you do experienece distress under propofol?

Answer
You don't need a reversal agent because Propofol is very short acting. An induction dose of Propofol should wear off in 3-5 minutes. So even if they gave too much, all they have to do is support your vital signs for 3 minutes and you will wake up.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston