You have the option of having a mild sedative and painkiller for your procedure. They are given through a small plastic tube (cannula) inserted into your arm before the procedure. These medications can make you lightly drowsy and relaxed but not unconscious (ie you will not be ‘knocked out’). The reasons for this are that we may need you to change your position during the procedure and the risks of the procedure can increase with larger amounts of sedation.
We routinely give everybody having sedation oxygen through little prongs (nasal cannulae), which sit in your nostrils. Whilst you are sedated, we monitor your oxygen levels and heart rate using a finger probe. Your blood pressure is also recorded intermittently.
It is important to remember that if you are having sedation for your procedure that you advised not to drive for 24 hours afterwards. This is as sedation, similar to alcohol, can impair your judgement and decision-making.