Hi, Welcome to HCM, There are lot of studies done to compare sedative and conscious sedative ( versed, Demerol combination). There are advantages and disadvantages for both . Advantages of Versed and Demerol combinations are , cost effective, rapid recovery and safer, as compared to Sedatives. Disadvantages are idifficulty to reach to caecum, specially in case of diverticulitis, and missing out some lesions. One of the reason for using sedation, is if patient is anxious and surprisingly you want to avoid sedation to reduce your anxiety. For Versed and Demerol combination, it is important that patient should be well informed, educated about the procedure, relaxed, and with high pain threshold. Is colonoscopy really indicated for you? Do you have family history of Colon cancer, Stomach cancer, breast cancer or ovarian cancer? Do you have any other risk factors for colon cancer? You may also go for yearly occult blood test for stool instead? I would like you to discuss with your doctor, the real need for the colonoscopy. For choice of Sedation, also both surgeon and patient should be comfortable. usually Surgeon s preference is to do the procedure withour Sedation. Hope you got all relevant information. take care. Dr H Hamdani