Sedation Instructions

Preoperative Guidelines

• Do not drink caffeine today.
• Do not eat anything 6 hours prior to the appointment.
• Do not drink any opaque fluid 6 hours prior to appointment (examples of opaque fluid are milk, orange juice, coffee…).
• Only a small amount of water should be sipped until 3hrs before the appointment.
• Take your daily medications as normal. If you are diabetic, ensure that your glucose levels are normal 1 hour prior to your appointment. If needed, you should have a small sugary candy or drink.

This will ensure that you come to the appointment with an empty stomach and prevent you from vomiting should nausea occur. The medications that we use very rarely create nausea. Vomiting while being sedated is dangerous: it may obstruct your airway. It can be prevented by following the above protocol.

Medications

You may be given a prescription for a “sleeping pill” to take the night before your appointment. This will help you sleep well the night before and arrive well rested at your appointment. Take the sleeping pill as directed, typically 1 hour before bed time. Take all your other medications normally, as prescribed by your physician (unless informed to stop or modify the dosage by your physician). Do not take any sleeping pill/sedative on top of what we have prescribed you.

Clothing

Wear loose clothing that does not restrict your breathing and allows easy access to your upper arm for attachment of a blood pressure machine and for the administration of IV. You may be a little unsteady on your feet after your sedation. To reduce the possibility of fall and injury you should wear flat shoes. If you wear contact lenses you must take them out before your appointment.

Nail Polish, Lipstick, and Shaving

A probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your pulse and oxygen continuously while you are sedated. It does not work well on nail varnish or fake nails. Therefore, they will have to be removed before your appointment. Do not wear heavy make-up. For men, a clean shave is preferred.

At Your Appointment

Before treatment begins you will be connected to safety machines that will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation continuously throughout the procedure. We will start the IV, usually in the back of your hand or on the inside of the elbow. Most patients have little recall of events after the sedation has been given. This procedure is not general anesthesia and at all times: You will not lose full consciousness. You will be able to communicate with the doctor. You will be able to respond to instructions given to you.

Discharge