Conscious sedation for surgical procedures

 

Alternative Names

Anesthesia - conscious

Definition

Conscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedure. You will probably stay awake but may not be able to speak.

Conscious sedation lets you recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after your procedure.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Conscious sedation is safe and effective for patients who need minor surgery or a procedure to diagnose a condition.

Some of the tests and procedures conscious sedation may be used for are:

  • Breast biopsy
  • Dental prosthetic or reconstructive surgery
  • Minor bone fracture repair
  • Minor foot surgery
  • Minor skin surgery
  • Plastic or reconstructive surgery
  • Procedures to diagnose and treat some stomach (upper endoscopy), colon (colonoscopy), lung (bronchoscopy), and bladder (cystoscopy) conditions

Risks

Conscious sedation is usually safe. However, if you are given too much of the medicine, problems with your breathing may occur. A doctor or nurse will be watching you during the whole procedure.

Health care providers always have special equipment to help you with your breathing, if needed. Only certain qualified health professionals can provide conscious sedation.

Before the Procedure

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

  • If you are or could be pregnant
  • What drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the days before your procedure:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies or health conditions you have, what medicines you are taking, and what anesthesia or sedation you have had before.
  • You may have blood or urine tests and a physical exam.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic.
  • If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help quitting.

On the day of your procedure:

  • You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
  • Do not drink alcohol the night before and the day of your procedure.
  • Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
  • Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital or clinic.

After the Procedure

After conscious sedation, you will feel sleepy and may have a headache or feel sick to your stomach. During recovery, your finger will be clipped to a special device (pulse oximeter) to check the oxygen levels in your blood. Your blood pressure will be checked with an arm cuff about every 15 minutes.

You should be able to go home 1 to 2 hours after your procedure.

When you are home:

  • Eat a healthy meal to restore your energy.
  • You should be able to return to your everyday activities the next day.
  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, and making legal decisions for at least 24 hours.
  • Check with your doctor before taking any medicines or herbal supplements.
  • If you had surgery, follow your doctor's instructions for recovery and wound care.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Conscious sedation is generally safe, and is an option for procedures or diagnostic tests.

References

Reves JG, Glass PSA, Lubarsky DA, et al. Intravenous anesthetics. In: Miller RD, Eriksson LI, Fleisher LA, et al., eds. Miller's Anesthesia. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill-Livingstone; 2009:chap 26.

Sherwood ER, Williams CG, Prough DS. Anesthesiology principles, pain management, and conscious sedation. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 16.

Review Date: 1/29/2013
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Chester, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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