What is sedation?

Sedation is a “light” anaesthetic mostly used for minor procedures. Sedation is a safe anaesthesia technique which allows patients to have minor procedures with minimal discomfort, without a full general anaesthetic. This enables faster recovery.

Awareness:

During light sedation patients can be aware of their surroundings. During heavier sedation patients will not be aware of their surroundings.

Awareness refers to being conscious of painful and non-painful sensations during a procedure. Awareness under sedation is common. Awareness during minor procedures is rarely very traumatic, owing to the minimally invasive nature of the procedures for which sedation is used. If you are having sedation, you need to be comfortable with being aware during your procedure.

Preparation for sedation:

Sedation still requires the same preparation needed for a general anaesthetic. Six hours fasting for food and two hours for clear fluids is recommended by most anaesthetists.

Sedation complications:

Despite being a “light” anaesthetic, this doesn’t mean sedation is without danger. Very rare life threatening complications can still occur - such as failure to oxygenate, severe allergic reactions and aspiration pneumonia. Less serious complications such as dental damage, sore throat and nausea can also occur. Most of the same complications of general anaesthesia can also occur during sedation. If unexpected problems arise during your sedation, such as airway or breathing problems – then your anaesthetist may need to convert to a full general anaesthetic.

What procedures are suitable for sedation?

Most pain management procedures are performed with sedation. For some pain management procedures the doctor needs to talk to the patient to determine what they are feeling during the procedure. For these procedures we use very light sedation.

Other procedures where sedation is used include endoscopy procedures, eye surgery and minor plastic surgery procedures.

Summary:

Sedation is a “light” anaesthetic for minor procedures. Sedation still requires full preparation for general anaesthesia. Whilst sedation is safe, rare life-threatening complications and other less serious complications can still occur. Awareness is common during sedation for minor procedures. Any questions please discuss sedation with your anaesthetist on the day of surgery.