A More Comfortable Procedure: Conscious Sedation

Conscious Sedation - Halcion (Triazolam)

This type of sedation is an option we offer our patients. Halcion or Triazolam induces an altered state of consciousness to allow your body and mind to relax during a surgical procedure. Patients who receive conscious sedation usually are able to speak and respond to verbal cues throughout the procedure, communicating any discomfort they experience to the provider. A brief period of amnesia may erase any memory of the procedure. Conscious sedation is extremely safe when administered by a qualified provider such as Dr. Sutor.

Because patients can slip into a deep sleep, proper monitoring of conscious sedation is necessary. Dr. Sutor and his qualified assistants monitor patient heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level and alertness throughout and after the procedure.

Written postoperative care instructions are given to our patients prior to your surgical appointment so that you may provide this information to your caretaker and/or driver as well. Patients should not drive a vehicle, operate dangerous equipment or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving conscious sedation. Patient's must have a caretaker be with them from the time they take the medication and throughout the day of the procedure to ensure that they are safe and have the medication and care that they need post-operatively. A follow-up phone call is made by Dr. Sutor the evening of the procedure to check on the patient's condition and answer any remaining questions.

One of the best benefits of conscious sedation is that it allows patients to recover quickly and resume normal daily activities in a shorter period of time than an IV sedation.

Our ultimate responsibility is to your comfort and safety while you are in our care. If instructions are followed properly, conscious sedation can be a great way for you to go through a procedure in our office.