IV Sedation in Tulsa, OK
One of the biggest goals of our board-certified physicians is to make sure that patients are as comfortable as possible throughout their surgery. When surgery is necessary to correct, repair, or treat a problem, we want our patients to know that they are in good hands when it comes to getting the proper pain control and sedation they need during their procedure. One of the most common ways to administer anesthesia is through intravenous (IV) sedation, as it helps the patient feel relaxed and at ease throughout their procedure, while also providing pain-relieving effects.
How does IV sedation work in Tulsa, OK?
Before your surgical procedure, an anesthesiologist will place an IV into a vein in your arm to administer the anesthesia. There are different levels of sedation that can be used depending on the type of procedure you’re undergoing.
What are the levels of IV sedation?
From how your body responds to anesthesia and your current health status to the surgery you’re getting, these are some of the factors that our team of board-certified anesthesiologists needs to consider before determining the level of sedation that’s right for you. There are three main levels of sedation:
Minimal: This level of sedation is designed to help you feel relaxed during your procedure but you will be awake. You will also be able to hear, understand, and respond to questions we ask.
Moderate: It’s normal with this level of sedation to feel drowsy or to even fall asleep, and you may not remember parts of or any of your procedure.
Deep: While not unconscious, you will be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t remember any of it.
When is IV sedation used?
IV sedation provides a safe but effective alternative to general anesthesia, which can be a major relief for individuals who may not have responded well to general anesthesia in the past. IV sedation is typically recommended for more minor surgical procedures such as colonoscopies, plastic surgeries, and even certain surgical procedures such as hernia repairs and bunionectomy that were once only performed under general anesthesia.
How quickly will I feel the effects of IV sedation?
Since this cocktail of anesthetics and analgesics is being delivered directly into your bloodstream you should start to feel the effects of IV sedation within a couple of minutes.