If you need an endoscopy, you may wonder if you need endoscopy sedation. Our gastroenterologist can offer advice if you aren’t sure whether you want to be sedated. Read our blog below to learn more about sedation and communication during an endoscopy.
Types of endoscopy
At Digestive Health UK, we offer two main types of endoscopy: gastroscopy and colonoscopy. A gastroscopy is an upper endoscopy looking at the throat via the mouth, whereas we pass an endoscope through the rectum during a colonoscopy.
We use endoscopy to look for signs of a gastrointestinal (GI) condition. A gastroscopy diagnoses conditions such as swallowing problems, stomach ulcers, eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), cancers, and acid reflux. We use a colonoscopy to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, polyps, and bowel cancer.
Learn more about getting a private endoscopy in our blog: Can I book a private endoscopy?
Sedation and pain relief
Before your endoscopy, you may feel worried about the procedure and whether it will be uncomfortable or painful. We do our best to ease your discomfort and prevent pain with sedation.
If you need a gastroscopy, a local anaesthetic spray can numb the back of your mouth and your throat. With a gastroscopy, you might want to gag as the tube goes down your throat.
But, this sometimes stops once the tube reaches your stomach. However, we strongly recommend you have sedation for gastroscopy as it is very unpleasant. With sedation, you will be comfortable with little or no awareness of the procedure taking place.
Dr Sami, our Consultant Gastroenterologist, covers whether an endoscopy is painful in one of our patient videos: Is endoscopy painful?
During an endoscopy, we use sedation injected into the vein and a painkiller. The sedation should make you feel sleepy and relaxed.Our doctor can control how sleepy you are during the procedure. Watch our video below to hear what sort of sedation we normally use for a colonoscopy.
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After sedation, you will need to avoid the following for 24 hours:
- Signing important documents
- Operating machinery
- Drinking alcohol
- Driving
Sedation may slow your breathing and lower your blood pressure. After your procedure, you might also have a headache and feel a bit sick. This is normal and should pass after a few hours.
Endoscopy without sedation
Some people choose to opt out of sedation as there is a risk of a reaction. Patients with breathing problems, such as COPD and asthma, and sleep apnea, for example, are more at risk from the effects of sedation. Your gastroenterologist may recommend a lower level of sedation to counter this risk.
It is possible to have a colonoscopy or gastroscopy without sedation, and many patients prefer this. Though if you are feeling anxious about the procedure, you may benefit more from being sedated.
Staying calm during your endoscopy
If you are feeling anxious before your endoscopy, it might help to learn more about it. The exact process will depend on the type of endoscopy you need, but we can answer any questions you have to ease your mind.
Some studies have shown that listening to music can help you relax during an endoscopy. Practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness might also help you stay calm.
Communication during an endoscopy
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the procedure. We can then ensure you are fully aware of the process and feel reassured before we begin.
Some people find that watching the procedure on the camera monitor helps them, though others share that they dislike this. Speak to whoever is performing your procedure if this is something you think you would want.
You can ask to stop the procedure at any time if you feel too uncomfortable. If you are having a gastroscopy, we will determine a way of communicating discomfort before starting.
If you have any questions about endoscopy, you might find our blog useful: What questions should I ask before my endoscopy?
Book an appointment
Our gastroenterologists can ensure your endoscopy is a comfortable procedure for you. We will discuss every step of the endoscopy and how you can prepare for it beforehand so you can feel in control of your health.
Our gastroenterologists specialise in endoscopic procedures, offering a patient-focused approach. Dr Sami completed a prestigious national endoscopy fellowship at the NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit, leading to the award of a PhD degree in novel endoscopic imaging techniques.
If you need an endoscopy, book an appointment with our expert today.
