Information about Intravenous Sedation in our Rooms
Please read the following information carefully. If you have any queries, please contact the Rooms on (03) 5975 6087.
The Anaesthetist
The Anaesthetist will examine you prior to your operation and this will include a physical examination of your heart and lungs. He will take a detailed medical history and it is most important to bring with you all medications which you have taken over the preceding two weeks.
The Surgical Procedure
A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand after you come into the surgery. If this worries you, a numbing cream (EMLA cream) can be applied to the arm or hand ONE HOUR before your surgery appointment time. Please advise the staff that you require the EMLA cream ON THE DAY PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY, otherwise it can not be administered.
Drugs, which relax and sedate you, will be given intermittently through the vein. You will be drowsy throughout the procedure and you may not remember much of the procedure.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS
- You will require someone to drive and accompany you home where an adult must be with you on the evening and night of the procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothes, the sleeves of which can be rolled up past your elbow.
- Do not drink alcohol or operate any sort of machinary (including cars) until the following day.
- Continue current medications unless instructed otherwise
- Please remove nail polish, as it may interfere with the monitoring of your pulse.
- Your mouth will feel quite dry during and after the procedure. This will ease after a couple of hours but ice chips may be helpful.
- You may experience mild nausea, headache and discomfort from the surgical site. Analgesic medication will be prescribed to ease this.
- PLEASE DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANY FLUIDS FOR SIX (6) HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE.
- (Your meal prior to fasting should be a light one)
Recovery
After completion of your surgery you will be taken into the Recovery Room where you will be monitored until you are fully recovered. You will be discharged with a comprehensive list of instructions, a post-operative appointment and prescriptions for analgesia and antibiotics if necessary.