What is Regional Anesthesia?
Sedation Anesthesia, or sedation analgesia, is generally used to supplement regional or local anesthesia techniques in order to increase a patient's comfort and peace of mind. Sedation anesthesia is administered through and IV.

There are several levels of sedation anesthesia they are:
   • Minimal Sedation – During minimal sedation you will be relaxed, but awake and able
     to ask and answer questions from your physician or surgical team. With minimal
     sedation anesthesia supplemental oxygen may be given.

   • Moderate Sedation – During moderate sedation you will most likely sleep through your
     procedure, but you are easily awakened when asked a question or touched. It is
     unlikely that you will remember being in the operating room. With moderate sedation
     anesthesia supplemental oxygen will be given.
   • Deep Sedation – During deep sedation you will sleep through the entire procedure
     and will not remember being in the operating room. Your breathing will slow and you
     will normally sleep for a period of time after your procedure is complete. With deep
     sedation anesthesia supplemental oxygen will be given.

What are the risks with sedation anesthesia?
At Southeast Anesthesiology Consultants patient safety is extremely important. Although anesthesia can carry some risks, major side effects or complications are uncommon. You can be assured that our physicians are extremely qualified to handle your anesthesia care. Southeast Anesthesiology Consultants regularly exceeds the national standards of care and safety. The specific risks of anesthesia vary with the particular procedure and the condition of the patient. You should ask your anesthesiologist about any risks that may be associated with your anesthesia.

What are some of the potential risks associated with general anesthesia?
   • Allergic reactions to medications
   • Difficulty breathing
   • Irregular heartbeat
   • Heart attack (rare)
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Stroke (rare)
   • Delirium
   • Swelling
   • Infection at the injection site
   • Systemic toxicity (rare)