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Patient Info

Levels of Sedation

Minimal

While minimal sedation will help you relax, you will likely be awake. You will understand questions your doctor is asking and be able to answer as well as follow directions.

Moderate

You will feel drowsy and may even fall asleep during the procedure. You may or may not remember some of the procedure.

Deep

You won't actually be unconscious, but you will sleep through the procedure and most likely will have little to no memory of it.

We understand that no one enjoys experiencing pain, especially when undergoing medical tests, surgeries, or procedures. That's why there are various types of anesthesia available to keep you comfortable and at ease. One commonly used type is sedation, which helps you relax and may even allow you to drift off to sleep. Known by several names—such as monitored anesthesia care, conscious sedation, or twilight sedation—this form of anesthesia is often used for less complex procedures or minor surgeries. These might include biopsies or using a scope to examine internal areas like your throat or colon.

Another important aspect of your comfort is analgesia, which is specifically designed to relieve pain. It's worth noting that sedation and analgesia can sometimes be combined with other forms of anesthesia for a more comprehensive approach to your comfort. For example, local anesthesia involves injections that numb a specific area of your body, while regional anesthesia numbs a larger part. Rest assured, our goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible, and we tailor our anesthesia options to best suit your individual needs.
Sedation and analgesia medications are commonly administered through an IV placed in a vein. Depending on the procedure, the level of sedation can range from minimal to deep. With deep sedation, you are generally asleep, but it's not the same as being under general anesthesia, which is a deeper level of unconsciousness. Analgesia medications may also contribute to your sense of drowsiness. Most patients wake up quickly once the procedure is completed and the medications are stopped.
Potential side effects may encompass headaches, nausea, and a feeling of drowsiness. It's worth noting that recovery times with sedation are generally faster compared to general anesthesia, although this can vary from patient to patient. In instances of moderate or deep sedation, your breathing rate may decrease, and supplemental oxygen is often provided to ensure your well-being.
An anesthesiologist, a medical doctor specializing in anesthesia, pain, and critical care medicine, a registered nurse, or nurse anesthetist working with a qualified physician can administer sedation. With 12 to 14 years of education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training, anesthesiologists are highly trained medical specialists that help ensure safe and high-quality care.

Preparing for a Procedure with Sedation:

Preparing for Side Effects

You may have soreness or pain following your procedure. Nausea is also a possible side effect after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed if necessary.

Ask about medication

There are some medications that you should continue to take and others that you should not. Please notify your practitioner prior to booking if you are taking any medications.

Bring a friend or relative

You most likely will be weak or disoriented following the procedure. You will not be able to drive; be sure that someone is available to take you home after your procedure.

Dress Comfortably

You may be sore from the procedure or have bandages that cover incisions, so dress comfortably and in loose clothing.

Plan for Recovery Time

After the procedure you will be moved into a recovery room where you will be monitored. In most cases you will be able to go home within the hour, longer if you have moderate or deep sedation. Consider having supervision for the first 24 hours after returning home.

NPO Guidelines for Patients

Patients may not have solid foods and dairy products after midnight the night before the scheduled arrival time.

Patients with a diagnosis of gastroparesis should adhere to no liquids for up to 24 hours.

Clear liquids, NOT dairy products, are allowed until 3 hours before the arrival time.

Clear liquids include:

  • Water
  • Clear fruit juices such as apple or white cranberry juice
  • Plain tea or black coffee (NO milk or creamer)
  • Clear, electrolyte-replenishing drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade
  • Ensure Clear or Boost Breeze (NOT the milkshake varieties)

Clear liquids do not include:

  • Coffee with milk
  • Yogurt drinks
  • Milkshakes/Smoothies
  • Pulp containing Juices

The table below explains the timing of when to stop oral intake for both solid food and clear liquids. The patient should look for the arrival time and the coordinated time for when to stop consuming food or drink.

Arrival Time

8 a.m.
10 a.m.
12 p.m.
2 p.m.

Stop Solid Foods

Midnight
Midnight
Midnight
Midnight

Drink Clear Liquids Until

5 a.m.
7 a.m.
9 a.m.
11 a.m.

Click here to download the NPO Guidelines for Patients in PDF format.