Is there significant harm to the body from anesthesia used during colonoscopy and gastroscopy?
Generally, the harm to the body from anesthesia used during colonoscopy and gastroscopy is minimal.
Colonoscopy and gastroscopy are important diagnostic procedures for examining the digestive tract. These are painless endoscopic examinations that allow diagnosis and treatment to be completed without discomfort. When experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea, colonoscopy and gastroscopy can help establish an accurate diagnosis. During these procedures, anesthesia is administered in a controlled manner, typically affecting only specific areas, and does not cause damage to organs or the nervous system. Therefore, the physical impact of anesthesia used in colonoscopy and gastroscopy is generally small. Additionally, an anesthesiologist carefully evaluates and administers a dosage of anesthesia within safe, tolerable limits for the patient's body.
Prior to undergoing colonoscopy or gastroscopy, patients should fast for approximately 6 hours to ensure the digestive tract is free of food residue, which could otherwise interfere with the examination or lead to complications such as aspiration, potentially harming the body. After completing the procedure, eating and drinking should be avoided for 1 to 2 hours.