What You Need to Know About Sedation

Sedation is a procedure in which the patient is relaxed without being fully put to sleep, and the level of consciousness is controlled reduced. Unlike general anesthesia, the patient continues to breathe, but pain and anxiety are largely eliminated. For this reason, sedation is frequently preferred in endoscopy, colonoscopy, minor surgical procedures, and diagnostic interventions.

Before sedation, it is of great importance for the patient to undergo a detailed evaluation. Chronic diseases, medications in use, allergy history, and any previous anesthesia or sedation experiences must be communicated to the physician. This information forms the foundation for creating a safe sedation plan.

Before the procedure, fasting from food and liquids for a specific period is required. Generally, 6 hours of fasting from solid foods and 2-4 hours from liquids is recommended; however, this period may vary according to the physician evaluation. Non-compliance may result in the procedure being postponed or serious complications arising.

During the procedure, the patient oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure are continuously monitored. The experienced anesthesia team adjusts the depth of sedation in real time according to the patient condition. Within our sedation services, an individual protocol is created for each patient and safety standards are fully implemented.

After the procedure, the patient must be kept under observation until the sedation effect has completely worn off. This period generally ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. When the patient is discharged, a companion must be present; driving, making important decisions, and consuming alcohol are strongly discouraged on the day of the procedure.

Sedation management requires extra care in special patient groups. Dose adjustments and additional monitoring protocols are applied for elderly individuals, obese patients, those with sleep apnea, and patients with chronic pulmonary disease. Experience and a personalized approach are critically important in treating these groups.

Sedation is a safe procedure; however, like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks. Temporary slowing of breathing, excessive sedation, or allergic reactions can be counted among these risks. With proper preparation, an experienced team, and appropriate equipment, these risks are minimized. Please do not hesitate to contact our clinic if you have any questions.