sedasyon

Sedation, or sedação, is a medical approach that uses drugs to depress the central nervous system with the aim of reducing a patient’s awareness, anxiety, and discomfort during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The level of sedation can range from mild anxiolysis to moderate reduction of consciousness, while preserving protective reflexes in many cases. It is distinct from general anesthesia, which requires complete unconsciousness and often airway control.

Sedation is categorized by depth: minimal (anxiolysis), moderate (conscious sedation, where the patient can respond to commands), deep sedation (limited spontaneous breathing), and, in other contexts, general anesthesia. The choice depends on the procedure, patient factors, and desired level of cooperation and analgesia. Sedation may be used alone or alongside analgesia or local anesthesia.

Pharmacological agents commonly employed include benzodiazepines (for anxiolysis and amnesia), opioids (for analgesia), propofol (for deeper sedation in some settings), dexmedetomidine (for sedation with minimal respiratory depression), and ketamine (for dissociative sedation). Drugs can be given intravenously, orally, or by other routes, depending on the context and patient needs. Inhaled agents and nitrous oxide are used in certain settings, but IV routes are prevalent for procedural sedation.

Safety and monitoring are essential. Continuous assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation is required, with monitors for heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and often capnography. Trained personnel, such as anesthesiologists or other qualified providers, conduct pre-sedation assessment, risk evaluation, and post-procedure monitoring. Potential risks include respiratory depression, hypoxemia, hypotension, and oversedation, underscoring the need for clear guidelines, informed consent, and readiness to manage complications.