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Conscious sedation

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What Is Sedation?

Sedation involves the use of medication to relax you during a medical or surgical procedure. It can range from light (where you are calm but fully awake) to deep (where you are asleep but breathing on your own). Sedation does not involve complete unconsciousness like general anaesthesia, but it helps reduce anxiety, discomfort, and awareness during procedures.

When Is Sedation Used?

Sedation is commonly used for:

  • Minor surgical or diagnostic procedures such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, or plastic surgery
  • Short or minimally invasive operations where general anaesthesia is not necessary
  • Procedures performed under local or regional anaesthesia, where sedation helps reduce anxiety and improve patient comfort
  • Patients who may not tolerate general anaesthesia well due to underlying medical conditions

How Is Sedation Delivered?

Sedation is administered and carefully monitored by an anaesthesiologist:

  • Intravenous (IV) Sedation
    Medications are delivered through a drip in your arm and adjusted as needed throughout the procedure.
  • Types of Sedation
    • Minimal sedation: You remain awake and able to respond but feel relaxed
    • Moderate sedation: You may drift in and out of sleep but can be easily woken
    • Deep sedation: You are asleep but can breathe independently and may not respond to stimuli
  • Monitoring
    Your oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are continuously monitored during the procedure to ensure safety and comfort.

What to Expect Afterwards

After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation wear off. Most patients recover quickly, but you may experience:

  • Drowsiness or grogginess
  • Mild nausea or dizziness
  • Temporary memory gaps related to the procedure

You will not be allowed to drive, operate machinery or sign legally binding documents for 24 hours after the sedation. It is recommended that someone accompany you home and stay with you until the sedative effects wear off entirely. 

Risks and Complications

Common Complications:

  • Drowsiness, confusion, or delayed recovery
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Minor breathing changes (e.g., shallow breathing)

Rare Complications:

  • Allergic reactions to sedative medications
  • Irregular breathing or low oxygen levels
  • Airway obstruction in patients with sleep apnoea or obesity
  • Unexpected over-sedation requiring breathing support

Fasting Guidelines

To ensure your safety under sedation, you will need to fast before surgery.

  • No Solid Food: Stop eating at least 6 hours before your scheduled procedure.
  • Clear Fluids Allowed: You may drink water, clear apple juice, or weak black tea up to 2 hours before surgery. Avoid milk, formula, or juice with pulp.
  • Babies and Infants: Fasting instructions vary by age and type of feeding. Please follow the specific instructions provided by your anaesthesiologist.

Medical History and Medications

Before your procedure, your anaesthesiologist will meet with you to:

  • Review your medical history and current health status
  • Go over your current medications
  • Perform a focused examination and discuss the anaesthetic plan with you

Please bring a complete list of medications, including:

  • Blood thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel)
  • Herbal or homoeopathic supplements (ideally stop 2 weeks before surgery)
  • Any recreational substances, smoking habits, or alcohol intake

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Let your anaesthesiologist know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, as this may influence anaesthetic choices.