Intubation during colonoscopy

[drb1999]

I recently had a colonoscopy done in a hospital, and when the anesthesiologist found out I had sleep apnea, he insisted on intubating me.  He was very rude about it, and I explained that I've had 2 colonoscopies done in the past and wasn't intubated for either of them.  I woke up OK, but I was so scared I was going to be awake when they put the tube in or took it out.  He told me he didn't want me to desaturate during the procedure.  I thought I could either just wear my CPAP mask or have oxygen.  Is this a normal procedure, to be intubated for a colonoscopy when a person has sleep apnea?

[CalGal]

It's not 'usual,' but the doc really is trying to do the right thing to make sure you don't have any problems during the procedure. You wouldn't be allowed to bring your 'equipment' into a room in which they have to keep it sanitized in a certain manner, so your CPAP mask wouldn't work. The best and easiest way to handle the situation is via intubation.

The doc may not have handled the conversation well, but then again most docs aren't too wonderful at explaining stuff to patients no matter what the situation is. They forget we may not intuitively understand why they're saying we have to do something in the manner they're stating.

[majella3]

hi i had colonoscopy last wednesday results all clear but haven't had bowel movement since is this normal

[CalGal]

After you asked your question, I did a small survery to find out what was going on concerning colonoscopies and sleep apnea. I came up with the following link that may be of help to you:

http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/hospitalcpapuse.html

[penguini8]

Is it normal and routine to be intubated during a colonoscopy when the sedative Propofol is used? Are there any other options?

[patient915]

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