Did your friend get pneumonia and sepsis because of anesthesia? I have had bronchiectasis for many years. Due to my family history of colon cancer, I have to undergo colonoscopy every 5 years instead of every 10 years like everybody else. I have not had any problem afterwards. Ask the clinic where your colonoscopy will be performed if they can give you twilight anesthesia, which is much milder than full anesthesia. You will be vaguely aware of your surroundings but won't feel anything physically that is being done to you.