High quality sedation can now replace general anaesthesia.

Conscious Sedation for Surgical Procedures

The medical and dental professions have accepted the concept that high-quality sedation can replace general anaesthesia for some surgical procedures. Many outpatient procedures previously done in hospital theatres under general anaesthesia can now be performed at the clinic where costs are considerably lower compared to hospitals. It was already elected in 1996 in Europe that a great deal of formal general anaesthetic would be replaced by sedation.

This has happened in America, Europe and all over the world.

There are many advantages when doing sedation in the clinic.

• Recovery is more rapid and patients can go home sooner


• It is convenient


• Patients are satisfied


• Enormous saving as far as costs are concerned


• Less side - effects, as the patients do not get a general anaesthetic


• Can return to work the next day

For this sedation technique the patient will get an intravenous infusion and receive drugs that will allay fear, provide pain relief, enhance co-operation and produce immobility; however, the patient will not be made unconscious. To ensure safety and control:

• An anaesthesiologist / medical doctor must be present


• The patient must be monitored clinically and electronically

Several sedative agents are available today and use different routes of administration. Today the intravenous route of administration has become very popular.