Operating Room

During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia, which is medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is administered by the anesthetist. When a patient faces surgery, he or she will meet with the nurse anesthetist before the procedure. The anesthetist will review the patient’s medical condition and history to plan the appropriate anesthetic for surgery.


  • Moderate Sedation (Conscious Sedation). Moderate sedation is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which the patient responds purposefully to verbal and tactile commands and stimulation. (reflex withdrawal from pain is not considered a purposeful response) Moderate sedation is a combination of medicines designed to help you relax and block out pain. Moderate sedation is administered either through an intravenous line (IV in a vein) or a shot into a muscle.
  • Deep Sedation. Deep sedation is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which the patient cannot be easily aroused. The ability to independently maintain ventilator function may be impaired. Deep sedation is administered through an intravenous line (IV in a vein).

Any questions or concerns can be discussed with the nurse anesthetist (CRNA).