Anesthesia for Endoscopy: What to Expect When You’re "Lightly Under"

lauraelisafg
Jul 1
2 min read

If the idea of anesthesia for endoscopy makes you anxious, you're not alone. Whether you’ve been told you need it or are simply exploring your options, it's normal to have questions. The good news? Anesthesia for endoscopy is safe and tailored to your needs. Here’s what really happens.

Prepping for Your Procedure

Before your endoscopy, your doctor or nurse will give you fasting instructions to reduce the risk of aspiration. These typically include avoiding:

Fried or fatty foods and meat for 8 hours
Light meals or non-human milk for 6 hours
Water for 2 hours before the procedure [1]

If you’re having a colonoscopy, expect a special diet and bowel prep in the days leading up to the procedure. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential for a clear view.

The Anesthesia Evaluation

Before your procedure, an anesthesiologist will review your medical history and perform a screening to design a personalized anesthesia plan. This assessment helps ensure your safety and comfort from start to finish.

Types of Anesthesia for Endoscopy

Most endoscopic procedures are performed under light to moderate sedation [2,3]. The choice depends on your health and the type of techniques employed during the procedure.

Here are the typical levels of sedation:

Light sedation: You’ll feel calm and may remember parts of the procedure.
Moderate sedation: You’ll be drowsy and likely won’t remember anything.
Deep sedation or general anesthesia: You’ll be fully unconscious [4]. This is less common for routine endoscopies.

During the procedure, your vital signs are closely monitored. You’ll receive oxygen through a nasal cannula or face mask and intravenous medications like benzodiazepines, opioids, or propofol to keep you comfortable.

After the Procedure

Recovery from sedation is usually quick. Most people go home the same day—but don’t plan to drive or make important decisions for at least 24 hours. Make sure you have someone to take you home.

Final Thoughts

Anesthesia for endoscopy it’s a well-established, safe practice guided by experts who prioritize your comfort and safety. Have concerns? Talk to your healthcare team—they’re there to walk you through every step.

References

[1] Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration: Application to Healthy Patients Undergoing Elective Procedures: An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration. Anesthesiology. 2017;126(3):376-393. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001452

[2] Sharp CD, Tayler E, Ginsberg GG. Anesthesia for Routine and Advanced Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures. Anesthesiol Clin. 2017;35(4):669-677. doi:10.1016/j.anclin.2017.08.006

[3] ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, Early DS, Lightdale JR, et al. Guidelines for sedation and anesthesia in GI endoscopy. Gastrointest Endosc. 2018;87(2):327-337. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2017.07.018

[4] Statement on Continuum of Depth of Sedation: Definition of General Anesthesia and Levels of Sedation/Analgesia. https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/statement-on-continuum-of-depth-of-sedation-definition-of-general-anesthesia-and-levels-of-sedation-analgesia

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