Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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Colonoscopy is routinely performed with conscious sedation. We wanted to determine if colonoscopy can be successfully completed without sedation and to assess patient tolerance and acceptance. One hundred nine consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were examined. ⋯ Pain severity was a strong predictor (p=0.001) of future sedation preference. Colonoscopy without sedation may be completed successfully in most patients and does not undermine many patients' willingness to undergo a similar procedure in the future. Sedation by choice is more cost-effective, may be safer, and should be offered as an alternative to routine intravenous sedation.