I am confused about the specific differences between local and general anesthesia and all the different anesthesia options in between. There is something called a Twilight Sedation, which I read is "conscious" sedation, but I've read that some doctors use Propofol during Twilight, which is "unconscious" sedation and wouldn't it then be a lot stronger and different than a conscious sedation? Also, what would be the differences between IV sedation w/ Propofol and a full blown General Anesthesia?
Answer: Propofol Propofol can be used in both twilight sedation or general anesthesia. When used in lower concentrations, it works well as a sedation so that the patient is still arousable and able to breathe on their own. In greater concentrations it works as a general anesthesia once the patient no longer breathes on their own and requires ventilation. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon and anesthesiologists so there is an agreed plan on the type of anesthesia best for your case. Johnson C. Lee, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Helpful
Answer: Propofol Propofol can be used in both twilight sedation or general anesthesia. When used in lower concentrations, it works well as a sedation so that the patient is still arousable and able to breathe on their own. In greater concentrations it works as a general anesthesia once the patient no longer breathes on their own and requires ventilation. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon and anesthesiologists so there is an agreed plan on the type of anesthesia best for your case. Johnson C. Lee, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Helpful
July 17, 2019
Answer: IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia You ask an excellent question. Sedation can be conscious or unconscious. Most conscious sedation is ether with oral medication or extremely light IV sedation. If a patient is given IV sedation they are likely to lose consciousness at some point and in general this should be administered by a board certified Anesthesiologist or CRNA who can monitor the heart and breathing. A combination if IV anesthesia/sedation and carefully administered local anesthetic is a great way to perform most facial procedures especially around the eyes. The use of this combination allows for intraoperative adjustments to eyelid position when the sedation is turned off, making the results much better and more predictable. Propafol is usually administered in a constant drip during this kind of anesthesia which is often referred to a "Twilight sleep". General anesthesia carries this one step further where the patient is rendered unconscious with these same medicines given at a higher dose followed by the insertion of a breathing tube which is hooked up to a ventilator during the surgery to support breathing. This is used in longer procedures and those in which cooperation is not required. The choice of which type of anesthetic is to be used should be discussed with your surgeon and geared toward the type of procedure you are having performed as well as your comfort level and general health status which can affect which type is best for you.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 17, 2019
Answer: IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia You ask an excellent question. Sedation can be conscious or unconscious. Most conscious sedation is ether with oral medication or extremely light IV sedation. If a patient is given IV sedation they are likely to lose consciousness at some point and in general this should be administered by a board certified Anesthesiologist or CRNA who can monitor the heart and breathing. A combination if IV anesthesia/sedation and carefully administered local anesthetic is a great way to perform most facial procedures especially around the eyes. The use of this combination allows for intraoperative adjustments to eyelid position when the sedation is turned off, making the results much better and more predictable. Propafol is usually administered in a constant drip during this kind of anesthesia which is often referred to a "Twilight sleep". General anesthesia carries this one step further where the patient is rendered unconscious with these same medicines given at a higher dose followed by the insertion of a breathing tube which is hooked up to a ventilator during the surgery to support breathing. This is used in longer procedures and those in which cooperation is not required. The choice of which type of anesthetic is to be used should be discussed with your surgeon and geared toward the type of procedure you are having performed as well as your comfort level and general health status which can affect which type is best for you.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful