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Anecdotal, but polyp removal for me and some of the people I know didn’t result in any additional post-surgery recovery time.

It was simply: go home, and don’t drive or operate any machinery today, just like any other procedure with light sedation.

That’s it.



Yes, I've also had it done and it was the same experience. (In fact, waking up after propofol was perhaps the most pleasant two minutes I've had in the last ten years.) Just like the procedure itself, the vast majority of times it's fine. But when it's not, you are looking at life-threatening complications: bleeding, tearing, infection, etc. This is why the recommendation for such screenings is so conservative.


I had a polyp removed during mine, and there was absolutely no physical indication for me that anything had happened. The only way I knew any cutting or burning had been done is because I was told and shown a picture.


I also hear patients can request the level of sedation. It's ultimately up to the doctor though. https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/what-are-my-options-...


My 2nd colonoscopy, I requested we skip the normal sedation.

During the procedure, there were a few instances of painful bloating, like perhaps the worst gas you've ever felt, as the doctor uses air pressure to expand the intestines for a clearer view and navigation around corners. But the pain receded in seconds each time, and the whole inspection takes maybe 10 minutes.

It was really interesting to see what the doctor saw, fully alert, and be able to leave immediately afterward without a ride.

For those who are curious, not squeamish, and don't mind a little transitory discomfort during a professional procedure, consider less or no sedation.


I ask for very light sedation. I still remember what was happening, but didn't feel any discomfort.

I asked for local anesthesia for a major knee surgery. (They normally do full anesthesia for that because an epidural injection is considered a bit riskier.)

That was a lot of fun! The doctor was delighted to have such an interested and captive audience, and ran over time because he spent too much time explaining everything while doing the procedure.

"Now I will cut loose this useless tendon from your thigh and reuse it as a replacement ACL."


Now I wish I’d insisted on local for my ACL-from-thigh autograft! (My surgeon discouraged it.)


I remember being rolled back to my room super excited. It was awesome.

And then the drugs wore off and the pain started...


Great. It seems like you and your doctor both respected each other. As it should be.




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