For Patients
Welcome! Most likely you have already been referred by your surgeon or dentist and are looking for some more information.
The aim of advanced intravenous conscious sedation is to make you comfortable, relaxed and safe during a procedure.
Your vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, breathing, pulse rate, etc) are monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety, and an Anaesthetist will stay with you for the entirety of the procedure.
| Pre-sedation Instructions | Post-sedation Instructions |
|---|---|
| Do not eat any solid food for 6 hours before your appointment. You can have water (any clear liquids) up to 2 hours before your appointment. In the final 2 hours sips of water are acceptable (including to help swallow medications). | A responsible adult will be required to escort you home after the procedure, either by car or taxi. |
| Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. | Take your regular medication as usual. |
| Please take your regular medication at the usual times with a small amount of water. | Please do NOT consume alcohol for the remainder of the day. |
| If you have asthma, please bring your inhaler to the appointment. | Drive a vehicle (insurance will be void) or cycle. |
| If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, please bring your glucose monitoring device. | Make important decisions, sign important documents, or perform complicated tasks. |
| Smoking and alcohol intake should be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment. The use of recreational drugs is not permitted for 48 hours prior to your appointment. | Consume alcohol, sleeping tablets, tobacco or recreational drugs. |
| Ensure that you have emptied your bladder prior to starting your case. |
Please note: to comply with guidelines and for your own safety we must insist that you have a responsible adult to take you home after your appointment. In the event that you have no escort on the day of the sedation, your appointment may be cancelled and you will be charged in full.
FAQ
What can I eat or drink before sedation?
Do not eat any solid food for 6 hours before your appointment. You can have water (any clear liquids) up to 2 hours before your appointment. In the final 2 hours sips of water are acceptable (including to help swallow medications). See that you follow these guidelines, otherwise, your operation may have to be cancelled:
Will I be uncomfortable or feel any pain under sedation?
Even though you are not completely asleep, you will be drowsy, relaxed and pain-free during the procedure. The sedative drugs combined with analgesics and local anaesthesia ensures that you will have no pain. The drugs will also contribute towards a pain-free period after the operation.
How long does it take to recover after the operation and how soon can I go home?
The recovery time depends on the drugs used, the patient’s individual response to the drugs, and the time spent under sedation. The drugs and doses that are used for sedation have a rapid onset and offset.
After the administration of the sedative drugs is stopped, recovery is swift and in most cases less than about 30 minutes, which is the time that you will need to remain at the clinic before being allowed to go home with your escort.
Your Anaesthetist will carefully monitor you to ensure that you are fit for discharge.
Will I be able to speak to my Anaesthetist before my sedation?
Yes. The Anaesthetist will confirm your medical history prior to sedation which will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
What am I not allowed to do after my sedation?
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, and you will not be able to leave the clinic or facility if there is not a responsible adult who can drive you home and oversee your post-operative recovery period. You should remain in the company of a responsible adult for 12 hours following the procedure.
Elimination of the sedative agents from your body can take up to 24 hours. It is important during this time to rest and recover from the procedure. Therefore, even if you feel adequately recovered, you must refrain to do the following for 24 hours:
• Drive a vehicle (insurance will be void) or bicycle.
• Operate any machinery
• Sign important documents, cheques, etc.
• Look after children
• Make important decisions, etc.
• Consume alcohol, sleeping tablets, tobacco, or abuse drugs
• Perform other complicated tasks or responsibilities
Need help?
If you need immediate assistance, contact our 24/7 emergency support team.
For enquiries, please call
+44 (079) 5689 9462
For appointments