I'vs had to be dilated 3 times now. Once doc attempted in his office (I was not put under ) & WOW!!! Much better to be put under. Anyway, as far as having it done under anethesia, it was quick & painless. I was a tad sore for a few days but no pain. The whole procedure is very much like a colonoscopy. In fact, my doc did a "pouchoscopy" while he was dilating me because it just made sense to do during the dilation procedure & kill 2 birds. You have a prep (may be 2 enemas-nothing like the horror of a colonosocpy prep!), no food after midnight, you go to same day surgery, they put you under for a few minutes (I know a dilation w/ a pouchoscopy runs about 8-12 minutes) & you wake up & go home. You may need a mild pain pill that day & 1st poop after hurts a bit since area is sore but it's really a short and simple procedure. Some can tolerate it w/out anestesia but I found it too painful...although it only takes about a minute or 2 to widen the area. Good news for me is 3 times was a charm & I have not needed a dilation in over 17 months. Doc kept telling me that at some point dilation would "stick" & body should stop narrowing in that area & it finally happened. Honestly, if I do narrow again and need another dilation I would be OK w/ that since I know how quick & painless it is & since I remember how it gave me immediate relief from that back-up feeling. Best of luck!