Local Anesthesia

This provides complete painlessness at the site of operation. In endoscopic procedures, local anesthesia of the mucosal surfaces is used. This involves the use of aerosol or gel-based medications. A good example is spraying lidocaine into the throat during a gastroscopy or coating the inserted device with a gel containing an anesthetic substance during a colonoscopy.

Minimal Sedation

This method of anesthesia involves administering a sedative intravenously or intramuscularly. The purpose of administering the medication is to alleviate the emotional stress that may accompany the procedure. Minimal sedation results in better tolerability of the examination and greater patient comfort.

Deeper sedation with analgesia

This type of anesthesia involves the administration of a sedative, an analgesic, and an antiemetic intravenously or intramuscularly. This type of anesthesia is most commonly used for colonoscopy, but also for gastroscopy examinations. It alleviates the stress associated with undergoing the examination, significantly reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain and the gag reflex, and significantly improves patient comfort, making the examination easier to perform.

We have called minimal sedation and deeper sedation with analgesia "simple anesthesia."

Full anesthesia – general anesthesia

General anesthesia eliminates consciousness and the pain caused by the examination. It is administered by a specialist anesthesiologist, who monitors basic vital signs (heart rate, breathing, blood pressure) during the procedure. Equipment continuously monitors the patient's condition under anesthesia. The anesthesiologist uses a cardiac monitor, placing electrodes on the patient's chest. Using a pulse oximeter, they obtain information on blood oxygenation. Heart rate is also monitored. We administer general intravenous anesthesia (without the use of inhaled gases) after inserting a special cannula into the vein through which medications are administered.

How should the patient prepare for general anesthesia?

Since anesthesia is administered before colonoscopy and gastroscopy, the patient must fast before the examination. Patients under general anesthesia should bring current blood test results (complete blood count, electrolytes, creatinine, coagulation). Patients over 40 years of age should also bring current electrocardiogram results. Please have your most recent hospitalization records ready. The anesthesiologist conducts a medical history, which serves to facilitate the patient's safe management during and immediately after the procedure. Particularly important in the medical history is information regarding past or current diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Information regarding current medications and previous anesthetics, as well as allergies and adverse reactions to medications, is also important.

How to behave after anesthesia?

after local anesthesia

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes after local anesthesia for gastroscopy, the patient may consume food and beverages – unless there are specific contraindications.

After General Anesthesia

Due to the long elimination time of the drugs used during anesthesia, the patient should not be left unattended for 24 hours. A responsible person should accompany them home. Driving a car, other vehicles, or operating machinery is prohibited for at least 24 hours. Dizziness may occur, especially when changing position. Nausea is a rare symptom.

After General Anesthesia

A patient who has undergone general anesthesia should remain under the supervision of a doctor or nurse until consciousness is fully restored. Respiration and blood circulation are also monitored immediately after anesthesia. Once any abnormalities have been ruled out, the patient may be allowed to sit up, and if they tolerate this change well, they may attempt to walk. The patient should remain under medical supervision for approximately one hour, after which they may go home. As with simple anesthesia, the patient should be accompanied home by a responsible person and must not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. Eating and drinking should be avoided for two hours after general anesthesia. Large meals are not recommended. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to a nurse or doctor immediately.