Colonoscopy Without Sedation Had High Acceptance Rates

In either case, going without sedation appears to be acceptable for an increasing number of patients, he said.

Dr. Sidney J. Winawer noted after Dr. Leung spoke that the United States is unusual in its preference for sedated colonoscopy. This can be attributed largely to deep-rooted fears that go back to the old days of rigid sigmoidoscopy and poor sedation practices with colonoscopy, both of which increased discomfort, said Dr. Winawer, Paul Sherlock Chair of the gastroenterology and nutrition service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

“We have to overcome this old fear that people have had,” he said. “It's very hard to try to reeducate the public that colonoscopy can be a very comfortable procedure, usually with adequate sedation, and they should not be afraid of it,” Dr. Winawer said.

Dr. Leung and Dr. Winawer disclosed no conflicts of interest.