Opinion
No-sedation colonoscopies will prompt many to say no to the procedure
LETTER — Posted March 9, 2009
Regarding "Study supports use of no-sedation colonoscopy" (Article, Jan. 12): I usually try to read AMNews in one sitting to limit the time of depression activated by the topics. I think any physician who is bipolar would find the news an aid in reducing his manic spells. But the colonoscopy article made me laugh.
I have enough trouble convincing patients to have a scope when they know it is painless with sedation. What do you think the repercussions will be when one of the painful ones gets discussed at the family reunion, etc.? Having undergone several sedation-less scopes, I can tell you the number of scopes will plummet.
Perhaps that is the real goal. More money for those CEO performance bonuses.
Joseph Karcavich, MD, Lockport, Ill.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/03/09/edlt0309.htm.