What is the role of sedation in regional anesthesia?
The medications used to sedate patients who receive regional anesthesia are easily tolerated, short acting, and they clear from the body quickly, usually with minor after-affects. Most patients are sedated with nerve blocks. Sedation makes the patient comfortable and relaxed while the surgeon is working. These medicines have a calming effect and they also allow the patient to lie in what might otherwise be an uncomfortable position without feeling discomfort. Some of these sedatives also have amnesic properties; the patient can be awake during the procedure but may not remember it. A small number of patients choose to observe their surgery, typically shoulder or knee arthroscopy, and they ask not to be sedated. This allows them to watch the procedure on the video monitor. In summary, the new anesthesia and sedation medications are more focused and their properties are intended to work in very specific ways with fewer side affects. I believe regional anesthesia is under utilized in many
