Intravenous sedation

Intravenous or IV sedation is provided for patients that are apprehensive and need medication to help them relax and be less aware of the surgical procedure. By using a combination of a sedative and a narcotic for management of pain, patients are very drowsy and relaxed, but not unconscious. Patients are still able to communicate with Dr. Shafqat during the procedure even though they are sedated.

A small pediatric catheter is placed in a vein in the patients arm and the patient is given fluids that contain dextrose, a simple sugar, to rehydrate them. A sedative and a narcotic combination is gradually administered until the patient is relaxed. The amount varies depending on each patient.

These medications wear off gradually, with the narcotic being metabolized in about forty minutes and the sedative wearing off more gradually, about four hours. The patients do need to have a driver and it is recommended that someone stay with them at home until the sedative has worn off.