Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/24/2010

Question
Hello Dr.

 I had a colonoscopy and was put out for that procedure.. There was no operating room, nothing but the office staff.. I may need a bone marrow biopsy, and I have a bad heart and cannot tolerrate pain.. Why can't I be put out with propafol?

Please e-mail



thank you Doctor

Answer
I can't answer that question. Generally for a bone marrow biopsy you don't need general anesthesia but they can certainly sedate you. If you absolutely can't tolerate the procedure without general, you will need to explain that to your doctor so he can arrange an anesthesiologist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston