general anesthesia = unconscious, not aware of what's happening
IV sedation, aka, conscious sedation = in and out of consciousness, aware of what's happening at least part of the time, but may not recall it
General anesthesia is riskier than conscious sedation and requires monitoring by a specialist, so usually is not done outside a hospital or day surgery center. Some oral surgery is done in day surgery centers.
Interestingly, we're starting to find evidence that while general anesthesia renders the patient unconsious and not aware of pain, the body continues to respond to pain unless analgesia is also given. Some studies have shown that patients who receive both anesthesia and analgesia tend to do better after surgery.
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Date: 2006-01-04 05:27 am (UTC)IV sedation, aka, conscious sedation = in and out of consciousness, aware of what's happening at least part of the time, but may not recall it
General anesthesia is riskier than conscious sedation and requires monitoring by a specialist, so usually is not done outside a hospital or day surgery center. Some oral surgery is done in day surgery centers.
Interestingly, we're starting to find evidence that while general anesthesia renders the patient unconsious and not aware of pain, the body continues to respond to pain unless analgesia is also given. Some studies have shown that patients who receive both anesthesia and analgesia tend to do better after surgery.