Conscious sedation is a combination of a sedative and an anesthetic applied during a medical or dental procedure.
This type of treatment allows the patient to recover quickly and return to everyday life shortly after the operation. In addition, the person in charge of administering the conscious sedation to the patient in the hospital will be a nurse, a doctor, or a dentist.
This type of sedation is used for short and straightforward procedures since the effect of the medication will wear off quickly.
Why is it done?
This treatment is safe and effective and is used for people who need minor surgery or a procedure to identify a condition. Here’s a rundown of some of the tests and procedures that require conscious sedation:
- biopsy of the breast
- Dental prostheses or reconstructive surgery
- Repair of minor bone fractures
- foot surgery (minor)
- Skin surgery that isn’t major
- Plastic surgery, often known as reconstructive surgery, is a type of surgery that
- Procedures for diagnosing and treating stomach, colon, lung, and bladder disorders
What does it consist of?
The patient will receive the medication through an IV or an intramuscular injection, then feel drowsy and relaxed immediately. On the other hand, if the doctor gives you a pill to take.
Breathing and blood pressure will be reduced, and the specialist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to stabilize him.
The patient may receive oxygen through a mask or intravenous fluids through an IV tube in breathing problems. At the end of the treatment, the patient may be tired and have no recollection of the procedure.
Preparation for conscious sedation
The patient must notify the specialist if she could be pregnant what medicines, drugs, supplements, or herbs she is consuming, provided that they have been purchased with a prescription.
In the previous days, the patient must follow these instructions:
- If you have allergies or other health issues, tell the specialist: the medications you take and the type of anesthesia or sedation you have previously received.
- The patient can ask their provider for help to quit smoking.
The day of the intervention :
Follow the instructions for when to eat and drink.
- Do not consume alcohol the night before or the day of the procedure.
- Along with the prescriptions prescribed by the doctor, drink a little water.
Care after the intervention
Conscious sedation is safe and sound for some minor interventions or diagnostic tests in most cases. However, following conscious sedation, the patient will feel drowsy and have headaches or nausea, as noted above.
In addition, the specialist will check blood oxygen levels and blood pressure every 15 minutes until the person can go home.
Once at home, the patient must perform the following care:
- Eat a healthy and balanced meal to replenish energy.
- For 24 hours, refrain from driving and consuming alcohol.
- Consult your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure a speedy recovery if you’ve had surgery.
