Preoperative IV Sedation Instructions

Intravenous (conscious) sedation is especially worthwhile for patients who are young, fearful or infirm.

Sedation

1. Eliminates pain, anxiety and stress.
2. Allows total comfort during a lengthy procedure.
3. Makes the patient unaware of the surrounding and the ongoing surgery.
4. Is safe when administered by a trained professional.

The surgeons in this office have each had almost 1-year of specialized anesthesiology training, more than 50 years of combined experience. Regardless, for your safety, your surgeon may request that another individual (surgeon or anesthesiologist) perform the sedation. This may be necessary for the very young or infirm, or for complex, lengthy procedures. Billing will be separate from your surgeon in this situation.

Our office strives to provide first class sedation services for our patients because we believe you are worth it.

1. For your comfort, we provide topical (spray, local or EMLA cream) prior to starting the IV.
2. We use catheters (which are more secure) rather than butterfly needles.
3. We use long tubing (rather than a short connection) and IV bags. This gives us adequate fluid to aid in blood pressure control and virtually eliminates the potential for phlebitis (irritation or clots) at the IV site.
4. We provide anti-nausea and anti-swelling medication so you do not have to purchase them prior to surgery.
5. We use all brand new syringes, tubing, IV fluids and up to date drugs to eliminate the remotest possibility of contamination or spread of diseases.

After surgery some patients experience nausea. This feeling may be caused by the sedation drugs, swallowed blood or from ingestion of narcotic pain medication. If the nausea persists into the next day, you should contact our office.

Some insurance companies reimburse for sedation while others do not. Sedation fees are global and cover 30 minutes of sedation time. After that, sedation time is billed in 15 minute increments to cover material/professional costs. Intravenous antibiotics, if administered, will be billed separately. Please feel free to ask questions.

Remember:

  • No solid food for 6 hours before surgery.
  • Clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery.
  • Begin oral rinses with Peridex/ Listerine twice a day 5 days before your surgery.
  • Take your regular medications (high blood pressure etc.) with a small sip of water.
  • Stop taking the following medications before surgery _____________________________
  • If antibiotics have been prescribed, take the pills with a small sip of water I hour before procedure.
  • An escort, who can drive, must stay during the surgery and drive you home.
  • Do not plan to work or drive for 24 hours.
  • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking narcotic pain medications.