Sedation Options for Endoscopy in Auckland

At Waitemata Endoscopy, we offer safe and personalised sedation options for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Understanding your sedation choices helps you feel confident and prepared for your procedure. Most endoscopic procedures can be performed with different levels of sedation depending on:

  • The type of procedure

  • Your medical history

  • Your anxiety level

  • Previous sedation experiences

  • Personal preference

Our clinical team will discuss the most appropriate option for you before your procedure.

1. Unsedated Endoscopy

Some patients choose to have their gastroscopy or colonoscopy performed without intravenous sedation.

For gastroscopy, a local anaesthetic throat spray is used to numb the throat.
For colonoscopy, lubrication gel and modern comfort techniques are used to minimise discomfort.

Many patients are surprised that an unsedated endoscopy is quick and manageable.

Benefits of unsedated endoscopy

  • No recovery time

  • You can drive yourself home

  • Lower medication risk

  • Immediate return to normal activities

Things to consider

You may experience temporary discomfort such as gagging during gastroscopy or bloating and pressure during colonoscopy. Unsedated procedures may not be suitable for patients with significant anxiety or for longer or more complex procedures.

2. Twilight Sedation (Midazolam and Fentanyl)

Twilight sedation is the most commonly used form of sedation for colonoscopy and gastroscopy in New Zealand.

You receive intravenous medications:

  • Midazolam, a relaxing medication that also makes you asleep and unaware

  • Fentanyl ,  a short-acting pain reliever

You remain breathing on your own and are usually relaxed and comfortable. Many patients remember little or nothing of the procedure.

Benefits of twilight sedation

  • Excellent comfort for most patients

  • Safe and widely used in endoscopy

  • Faster recovery than deeper anaesthesia

  • No anaesthetist required

After twilight sedation

You cannot drive for 12 hours.
You must have a responsible adult collect you.
You should avoid important decisions, alcohol, and operating machinery for 12 hours.

For most routine procedures, twilight sedation provides an excellent balance between comfort and safety.

3. Propofol Sedation (Anaesthetist-Administered)

Propofol sedation is a deeper form of sedation administered by a specialist anaesthetist. You are in a deeper sleep state and are typically completely unaware of the procedure. This option may be recommended for:

  • Very anxious patients

  • Previous difficulty with standard sedation

  • Complex or longer procedures

  • Certain medical conditions

  • Patients who prefer deeper sedation

Benefits of propofol sedation

  • Very high level of comfort

  • Rapid onset and recovery

  • Continuous monitoring by an anaesthetist

Important considerations

Propofol sedation involves additional cost due to anaesthetist involvement. You cannot drive for 12 hours and must have an adult escort home. For most routine procedures, propofol sedation is not necessary but is available when clinically appropriate.

Choosing the Right Sedation

When planning your endoscopy, we consider:

  • Your age and general health

  • Heart or lung conditions

  • Previous sedation experiences

  • The complexity of your procedure

Our goal is to provide safe, comfortable, evidence-based care tailored to each patient.

Safety During Sedation

All sedation at Waitemata Endoscopy is administered by experienced clinicians using continuous monitoring of:

  • Oxygen levels

  • Heart rate

  • Blood pressure

Patient safety is always our highest priority.

After Your Procedure

If you receive intravenous sedation (midazolam, fentanyl, or propofol), you must:

  • Arrange an adult to take you home

  • Avoid driving for 12 hours

  • Avoid alcohol and important decisions for 12 hours

If you have an unsedated procedure, you may resume normal activities immediately.

If you have questions about sedation for colonoscopy or gastroscopy in Auckland, please contact Waitemata Endoscopy. Our team is happy to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.