The digestive system is one of the most important systems in our body, and diseases that occur here can seriously affect the quality of life..Endoscopy is one of the most effective methods used in the diagnosis of digestive system diseases..However, during the traditional endoscopy procedure, some patients may have difficulty due to the feeling of a foreign body in the throat, nausea, gag reflex or anxiety..At this point, the anesthetized endoscopy method comes into play..This method, which involves putting the patient to sleep for a short time and safely, increases both patient comfort and the doctor's success in the procedure..Magnet Hospital is one of the centers that safely performs endoscopy with sedation using experienced gastroenterology specialists and modern anesthesia methods..

What is Anesthetized Endoscopy?

Anesthetized endoscopy is the procedure of performing the endoscopy under short-term anesthesia called sedation ..In this method, the patient is given special drugs intravenously to create a short-term sleep state..The patient feels nothing during the procedure and experiences no pain or discomfort..While some patients experience difficulty with traditional endoscopy due to nausea and gag reflexes, none of these problems occur with an endoscopy performed while asleep..The doctor can examine the digestive system in more detail and perform the necessary procedures (such as taking a biopsy, removing polyps ) much more easily when the patient is sleeping comfortably..Magnet Hospital gastroenterology specialists provide their patients with a safe and comfortable experience by performing the sedation procedure under the supervision of experienced anesthesiologists..

Who Can Have Anesthetized Endoscopy?

Anesthetized endoscopy offers a great advantage, especially for patients who experience anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.This method is preferred in the following cases:

• Diagnosis of stomach and esophagus diseases (ulcer, gastritis, reflux, esophagitis)

• For complaints of chronic stomach pain, bloating and indigestion

• In patients with suspected stomach or intestinal bleeding

• In polyp, tumor or mass research

• In patients with difficulty swallowing and strong reflexes

• People who experience panic, fear or stress during endoscopy

Magnet Hospital determines the most appropriate endoscopy method by evaluating each patient's individual needs..In this way, the patient undergoes a safe procedure and a correct diagnosis is made..

Medical Preparation Before Anesthetized Endoscopy

• Fasting (NPO status): The patient should not eat or drink anything for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure..This ensures that the stomach and intestines are empty, making imaging easier and reducing the risk of stomach contents escaping into the lungs ( aspiration ) during anesthesia..

• Regulation of Used Medications: Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, etc.) can be stopped a few days before the procedure..This situation must be planned together with the gastroenterologist and anesthesiologist..Diabetes medications (insulin and oral antidiabetics) are adjusted according to the morning of the procedure..Regularly used blood pressure, heart and thyroid medications can usually be taken with very little water..

• Medical Evaluation: Allergy history, previous anesthesia experiences, chronic diseases (heart, lung, liver, kidney diseases) are questioned..Blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray are performed when necessary..This evaluation is especially important in older people or those with additional diseases..

• Establishing Intravenous Access: A vascular access is established in the patient's arm, and both fluid therapy and sedation/anesthetic drugs are administered from there..

• Sedation Plan: The anesthesiologist explains to the patient the options of light sedation (sleep state) or deep sedation (close to full sleep state)..The drugs to be used (usually propofol, midazolam, fentanyl, etc.) are determined..

• Consent Form and Information: The patient and/or their relatives are informed about all risks related to the procedure, the sedation process and possible complications..Then the informed consent form is signed..

• Monitoring Preparation: Since heart rhythm (ECG), blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation will be continuously monitored during the procedure, the necessary device connections are made..

How is Endoscopy Performed While Anesthetized?

At Magnet Hospital, anesthesia endoscopy is performed with the following steps, keeping patient safety at the forefront::

• Preliminary Evaluation: Before the procedure, the patient is examined by the anesthesiologist..The patient's general health status, chronic diseases and medications used are taken into consideration..

• Sedation Application: The patient is put to sleep with short-acting drugs administered intravenously..The patient does not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure..

• Endoscopy Procedure: The flexible endoscope device is advanced from the mouth to the stomach and duodenum..In this way, both stomach endoscopy, duodenal endoscopy and esophageal endoscopy are performed..The esophagus, stomach and intestines are displayed in detail.

• Necessary Procedures: If necessary, a biopsy is taken, a polyp is removed, and suspicious tissues are examined in the pathology laboratory..

• Post-Procedure: Endoscopy takes approximately 15-20 minutes..The patient is awakened in a short time and kept under observation in the recovery room..

Magnet Hospital prioritizes patient safety with its advanced technologies and expert team during procedures..

Advantages of Anesthetized Endoscopy

Traditional endoscopy can be uncomfortable for many patients.However, these problems are eliminated thanks to endoscopy while being asleep.The advantages are:

• It is a painless and completely comfortable procedure..

• The patient does not experience stress because he/she sleeps throughout the procedure..

• It allows the doctor to perform more detailed examination during the procedure..

• No nausea or gag reflex.

• Processing time is shortened and success rate is increased.

• The patient can be discharged on the same day.

Magnet Hospital increases patient satisfaction and diagnoses digestive system diseases most accurately through anesthetized endoscopy..

Risks of Sedated Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a method that is considered safe today..However, some risks may arise due to sedation and the procedure..These risks are generally rare and are tried to be minimized under the supervision of specialist physicians..

1. Risks Related to Sedation

• Respiratory depression: The drugs used (propofol, midazolam, etc.) can slow down the respiratory rate..Therefore, oxygen support and monitoring are performed throughout the procedure..

• Allergic reaction: Although rare, skin rash, low blood pressure or anaphylaxis may occur against the drugs used..

• Cardiovascular effects: Drop in blood pressure, irregular pulse or heart rhythm disturbances may occur..It is carefully monitored, especially in those with heart disease..

• Nausea and vomiting: Temporary nausea may occur after the procedure..

2. Endoscopy-Related Risks

• Mechanical trauma: Minor irritations to the mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach wall may occur during the advancement of the endoscope..

• Bleeding: Mild bleeding may occur in the biopsy areas..Most stop on their own.

• Perforation (organ puncture): A very rare complication.Rupture of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum may occur and emergency surgery may be required..

• Risk of infection: If endoscope sterilization is not done correctly, there may be a possibility of infection, but this rate is extremely low in hospitals..

3. General Risk Factors

• Senile

• Heart, lung, liver or kidney diseases

• diabetes

• Having had problems with sedation/anesthesia before

Because of these risks, the patient is evaluated in detail before endoscopy and necessary protective measures are taken..Anesthetized endoscopy is an extremely safe procedure when performed by specialist physicians under appropriate conditions and in a hospital environment..Risks exist, but they are rare and kept under control by the experienced team..

Post-Anesthetized Endoscopy Process

After the procedure, the patient wakes up within a few minutes and rests for a short time..Then he/she can be discharged on the same day.However, some rules should be observed:

• Vehicles should not be driven for the first few hours after the procedure..

• Feeling slightly dizzy or tired is normal..

• Liquids and light foods should be consumed as recommended by the doctor..

• If a biopsy is taken, the results are evaluated by the doctor and the next process is planned..

Magnet Hospital ensures a safe recovery period by informing its patients after the procedure..

Is Anesthetized Endoscopy Safe?

Yes.Anesthetized endoscopy is very safe when performed by experienced anesthesiologists..Since the drugs used in sedation are short-term and fast-acting, the patient wakes up easily at the end of the procedure..Magnet Hospital performs this procedure safely with modern anesthesia methods and advanced endoscopy devices..

Anesthetized Endoscopy and Insurance Coverage

1. Does Social Security Cover Anesthetized Endoscopy?

Yes.SGK (Social Security Institution) covers endoscopy procedures when deemed medically necessary..However, some hospitals may charge an additional fee for endoscopy with sedation..In public hospitals, only the procedure fee is generally covered by SSI, while additional costs for sedation may not be required or may be very low..In private hospitals, a surcharge may be incurred for procedures such as biopsy and pathology..

2. Does Private Health Insurance Cover Anesthetized Endoscopy?

Yes.Private health insurance companies generally cover endoscopy while being sedated, depending on the policy..However, whether it is covered or not depends on whether your policy includes diagnosis, treatment, and anesthesia procedures..Some insurances only cover diagnostic procedures and may not cover sedation, biopsy, or pathology..

3. Does Supplementary Health Insurance Cover Anesthetized Endoscopy?

Supplementary health insurance covers the difference in fees in private hospitals that have agreements with the Social Security Institution..If the hospital has an SSI agreement and your policy includes this service, endoscopy can be performed while you are asleep at no additional charge..However, some private hospitals may charge extra for sedation, biopsy, and pathology laboratory; these situations may not be covered by insurance..

4. Is there an additional fee for an endoscopy while asleep?

• In public hospitals: SGK mostly covers it, no additional fee is charged.

• In private hospitals: If you have private insurance or supplementary insurance, there may be no additional charge..However, some hospitals may charge additional fees for sedation, anesthesia, biopsy, and pathology laboratory services..

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an sedated endoscopy take?

It usually takes 15-20 minutes to complete..

Do I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?

No, you can be discharged on the same day..

Is endoscopy while asleep painful?

No, the patient does not feel anything as he/she sleeps throughout the procedure..

Is endoscopy under sedation safe?

Yes, it is extremely safe when applied by experienced professionals..

When can I return to normal eating after the procedure?

Usually after a few hours you can start with light food..

Who is anesthetized endoscopy recommended for?

It is recommended for patients with high anxiety, strong gag reflexes or those who want a more comfortable procedure..

Can endoscopy be performed on children while they are asleep?

Yes, it can be applied safely to children too..

Can the vehicle be used after the procedure?

No, it is not recommended to drive on the same day as the sedation effect has worn off..

Can a biopsy be taken during endoscopy while I am asleep?

Yes, the doctor may take a biopsy if necessary..

Is this procedure safe at Magnet Hospital?

Absolutely yes.Magnet Hospital safely performs endoscopy under anesthesia with its experienced specialists and modern technology..

What are the prices for an sedated endoscopy?

The prices of anesthetized endoscopy in Ankara vary depending on the hospital's equipment, the anesthesia method used, and additional procedures to be performed..Magnet Hospital offers an sedated endoscopy service that is both affordable and safe..

Are there any risks to an sedated endoscopy?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with anesthetized endoscopy..However, when performed under the supervision of experienced anesthesiologists, the risks are minimal..Magnet Hospital minimizes risks with advanced security protocols.

What is sedation endoscopy?

Sedated endoscopy is an endoscopy method that is performed with short-term anesthesia drugs administered intravenously and the patient does not feel anything..It is especially preferred in patients with strong gag reflexes or anxiety..With sedation endoscopy, stomach endoscopy, esophagus endoscopy, duodenum endoscopy can be easily performed..

How should nutrition be after an endoscopy while asleep?

A few hours after the procedure, you should start with light foods and avoid oily and spicy foods..Fluid consumption accelerates the healing process.

What should be taken into consideration after an endoscopy?

For the first 24 hours, you should not drive, avoid heavy exercise, and follow your doctor's nutritional recommendations..Mild dizziness is normal.

Which is more difficult, endoscopy or colonoscopy?

Both transactions are safe.While endoscopy examines the stomach and duodenum, colonoscopy is performed for the large intestine..The patient does not feel any discomfort when it is done while asleep..

What are the comments about endoscopy while being anesthetized?

Patients' comments are generally positive.The most emphasized point is that it is a painless, comfortable and fast procedure..

Are there any hospitals in Ankara that perform endoscopy while asleep?

Yes, sedation endoscopy and sedation gastric endoscopy are performed in many state hospitals, university hospitals and private hospitals in Ankara..Magnet Hospital is one of the private hospitals that performs endoscopy under anesthesia with its experienced staff and modern technologies..