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Sedation

What is sedation?

Sedation involves small amounts of the medicines used for anaesthesia which make you feel relaxed and sleepy but not unconscious for your procedure/treatment/surgery. This is sometimes referred to as conscious sedation. You may remember some or little about what has happened. You may still be somewhat aware of your surroundings, what is happening and be able to respond to instructions. All medications are usually administered through a drip that is placed when you arrive to theatre.

Sedation is usually indicated for minimally invasive procedures that do not require a full general anaesthetic. Sedation is also sometimes used in conjunction with a spinal anaesthetic or a nerve block for patients who are unable to lie still or feel anxious. Sedation is different from a general anaesthetic as it does not usually cause the same deep level of sleep, usually does not require paralytic agents and usually does not require intubation and/or mechanical ventilation. Not all patients and procedures are suitable for sedation.

What are some of the risks of sedation?

Common risks and complications

  • Nausea, vomiting, itching and shivering
  • Headache
  • Pain, bruising and/or bleeding at the injection site
  • Bleeding/bruising is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel
  • Sore or dry throat and lips
  • Dizziness or feeling faint, especially when you start to move around
  • Low blood pressure – this can make you feel faint, dizzy or sick
  • Mild allergic reaction such as itching or a rash
  • Minor damage to teeth, dental work, tongue and lips due to airway manipulation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Responsiveness only to painful touch
  • Difficulty breathing/airway obstruction during sedation
  • Leaking of stomach content into the lungs (aspiration)

Uncommon risks and complications

  • Weakness
  • Airway obstruction significant enough to require further treatment (laryngospasm/bronchospasm)
  • Mild allergic reaction to the medication, requiring further treatment
  • An existing medical condition getting worse.

Rare risks and complications

  • Serious allergic reaction or shock to the medication, requiring further treatment
  • Damage to nerves and potential pressure injuries
  • Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart
  • Blood clot in the leg causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs
  • Seizures may occur, requiring further medication and treatment
  • Brain damage
  • Death as a result of this sedation is rare.

It is important to note that anaesthesiologists are specifically trained to manage the above-mentioned complications

The above infographic describes what is meant by common, uncommon and rare risk

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, nursing staff will watch you closely until you are fully awake. This is usually in an area known as recovery. You can rest until you have recovered enough to go home or to the hospital ward.

Sedation medicines may affect your judgment for about 24 hours or sometimes longer. For your own safety during this time:

  • Do NOT drive any type of car, bike or other vehicle, or operate machinery including cooking implements
  • Do NOT make important decisions (such as withdrawal of money from the ATM) or sign legal documents
  • Do NOT drink alcohol, take other mind- altering substances, or smoke as these substances may react with the sedation medicines
  • Have an adult with you on the first night after your procedure if you are being discharged.

This information page has been adapted from the information pamphlets used by the Royal College of Anaesthesiologists in the United Kingdom ( https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients ) and the Government of Queensland, Australia.