Sedation Procedures

Sedation procedures involve the administration of medications that cause the patient to be drowsy and relaxed during a minor medical procedure such as endoscopy, oral surgery, vasectomy or diagnostic testing. Depending on the procedure to be performed and the patient’s preferences, different levels of sedation can be achieved ranging from minimal to moderate or deep sedation. However, even “deep” sedation differs from general anesthesia, which induces sleep from which the patient cannot be roused for a period of time and is used for longer and more invasive surgeries. Sedation is generally administered via IV or oral medication. “Conscious sedation” is often used in outpatient procedures to minimize any anxiety and help the patient remain still so that treatment or imaging can take place.