Administration of Anesthesia: You will receive the administration of several medications via an IV to provide reduced level of consciousness, and will be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
GI endoscopy is generally a low risk procedure. However, complications are possible no matter how careful one is. Your physician will discuss their frequency with you, if you desire, with particular reference to your own procedure. Perforation: The procedure may result in an injury to the gastrointestinal tract wall with possible leakage of gastrointestinal contents into the body cavity. If this occurs, hospital admission and surgery may be required. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur. Management may consist only of careful observation but may require transfusions, endoscopic cautery or possible surgery. Risks of Sedation: For your safety, your heart rhythm, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation will be monitored. Possible complications of sedation include, but are not limited to, respiratory depression and disturbances of the heart rhythm. Medication Phlebitis: Medications used for sedation may occasionally irritate the vein in which they are injected. This causes a red, painful swelling of the vein and surrounding tissues, which may persist for several weeks. Other Risks: Include but are not limited to drug reactions and complications from other diseases you may already have. Instrument failure and death are extremely rare, but remain remote possibilities.