Twilight sedation is an anaesthetic technique where a mild dose of sedation is applied to produce anxiety relief, a sense of sleepiness and some inability to form new memories. There are different levels of twilight sedation, which can cover any of the levels in the sedation continuum, up to deep sedation and general anaesthesia (see my 'Sedation Continuum' page.) The person is not unconscious, but sedated. During surgery or other medical procedures, the patient is under what is known as a "twilight state", where the patient is relaxed and "sleepy", able to follow simple directions by the doctor, and is responsive. Generally, twilight sedation causes the patient to forget the surgery and the time right after. It is used for a variety of surgical procedures and for various reasons. Just like regular anaesthesia, twilight sedatoon is designed to help a patient feel more comfortable and to minimize pain associated with the procedure being performed and to allow the medical practitioner to practice without interruptions.
Twilight sedation is also known as twilight anaesthesia or twilight sleep and confers an easy awakening and a speedy recovery time by for patient. Local Anaesthesia is used to control pain by using medicines (local anaesthetics) that reversibly block nerve conduction near the site of administration, therefore, generating a loss of sensation at the area administered. Close monitoring by the anaesthetist will sometimes be provided, to help keep the patient comfortable during a medical procedure, along with other drugs to help relax the body. It can also help control breathing, blood pressure and heart rate, when needed.
Twilight
|
Twilight proper is defined according to the solar elevation angle θs, which is the position of the geometric center of the sun relative to the horizon. There are three established and widely accepted subcategories of twilight: civil twilight (nearest the horizon), nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight (farthest from the horizon).
|
What is Twilight Anaesthesia (conscious sedation)?
Twilight Anaesthesia (conscious sedation) is a form of anaesthesia that can be controlled so that you are asleep but still able to breath by yourself. There is no need for intubation as in General Anaesthetic. The aim is to keep you pain free and comfortable.
You will usually have little, if any recollection of the procedure afterwards. Due to the nature of the sedative drugs given, you wake up quicker and with little of the side effects of a general anaesthetic.
The Twilight Anaesthesia sedation technique involves sedative drugs given as an injection into your arm. It is administered by a Consultant Anaesthetist. An Anaesthetist is a medically qualified doctor who undertakes extensive postgraduate training in the field of anaesthetics and sedation. All our anaesthetists are Consultants with years of experience.
Are there any risks to conscious sedation?
There is a small chance that you may become over sedated. To make the procedure as safe and as comfortable for you, a Consultant Anaesthetist is with you throughout. He or she is constantly adjusting the amount of sedative you receive depending on how you respond.
Occasionally following the procedure, a slight bruise or a small lump may appear at the site of the injection in your hand or arm. This is normally nothing to be concerned about, but should you be concerned or the area is painful please contact the clinic for advice.
What are the advantages of twilight anaesthesia?
Fewer side effects than with general anaesthesia
Allows day surgery instead of overnight stay
Level of sedation can be controlled
Cost effective (no hospital overnight stay fees)
Faster and easier recovery
Good safety profile
Good amnesia effect
No intubation needed