INTRAVENOUS SEDATION – PATIENT INFORMATION
If you are anxious about the treatment you are receiving, or if the surgeon considers the surgery too advanced to do with numbness alone, then a sedative drug may make your experience more pleasant. Unlike a General Anaesthetic, it does not render you completely unconscious, just drowsy, sleepy, and relaxed enough for you to not be aware or not care much about the procedure. The drug is given through a small piece of plastic that lies in your arm or hand. It is given gradually and you will notice the effect within a few minutes. The drug is safe and avoids the substantial risk of a General Anaesthetic.
Before the procedure
You must inform the surgeon if you could be pregnant or are breast-feeding.
You must bring a responsible adult escort with you, who will be responsible for you, before, during and for 24 hours after the procedure. They must not be responsible for anybody else in the meantime, including children, so alternative arrangements will need to be made for anybody else under their care. You can have a light meal up to 2 hours before treatment.
You must wear flat comfortable shoes and loose clothing that allows your sleeves to be rolled up. You must not wear false nails or nail polish as these would interfere with a small medical monitoring peg that is placed on your finger. You must take all your regular medication as usual.
You must not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.
After the procedure
You should travel home with your escort by car or taxi. Public transport is not advised.
You must stay resting at home and always be accessible to your escort.
You must not operate any machinery including domestic kitchen appliances.
You must not make any serious decisions or sign any legal documents.
You must not drive.
You must not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours.
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