Mckeown surgical

Surgery Under Sedation

Consultation with patient at McKeown Medical

A calm, comfortable alternative to general anaesthetic

At McKeown Medical, many of our procedures are performed under deep sleep sedation, delivered by a highly experienced consultant anaesthetist.

This approach allows you to be completely relaxed and unaware during your procedure, without the need for a full general anaesthetic.

For many patients, sedation offers a safer, smoother, and more comfortable experience, with a faster recovery afterwards.

01

What is deep sleep sedation?

Deep sleep sedation involves carefully administered medications that allow you to drift into a deep, sleep-like state.

Woman sitting on couch in waiting room of medical clinic

You will:

  • Be fully relaxed and comfortable
  • Have no awareness of the procedure
  • Not feel pain
  • Typically have no memory of the treatment

Although you are not under a general anaesthetic, from your perspective it feels very similar to being asleep.

Importantly, sedation avoids some of the more intensive physiological effects associated with general anaesthesia.

02

Why we use sedation instead of general anaesthetic

For suitable procedures, sedation offers several important advantages over a traditional general anaesthetic.

A gentler approach to anaesthesia

Sedation does not require a breathing tube or airway control, meaning:

  • You breathe for yourself throughout the procedure, rather than a machine breathing for you
  • This causes less strain on the body
  • Lower risk of certain complications
  • A more natural recovery process

Faster recovery

Patients typically:

  • Wake up quickly after the procedure
  • Feel clearer-headed sooner
  • Experience less grogginess or “hangover” effect
  • Are usually ready to go home just an hour or so after surgery

Reduced side effects

Compared with general anaesthesia, sedation is associated with:

  • Less nausea and vomiting
  • Fewer headaches
  • A lower likelihood of prolonged fatigue

Ideal for outpatient surgery

Sedation is particularly well suited to day-case procedures, allowing you to return home the same day with appropriate support.

03

Is sedation safe?

Yes — when delivered by an experienced team, deep sedation is very safe.

Your care will be led by a consultant anaesthetist, who will:

  • Assess your medical history in advance
  • Monitor you continuously throughout the procedure
  • Adjust medication precisely to keep you comfortable and stable

You will be monitored at all times using:

  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Oxygen levels
  • Carbon dioxide levels
  • Breathing

Your safety is our absolute priority at every stage.

04

Preparing for your procedure

Pre-assessment

Around 1–2 weeks before your procedure, you will receive a pre-assessment call from one of our nurses.

During this call, we will:

  • Review your full medical history
  • Discuss any medications you are taking
  • Identify any potential risk factors
  • Answer any questions you may have

Your information will then be reviewed by the anaesthetist.

If any additional investigations are required (for example, blood tests or ECG), we will arrange these in advance.

Fasting before sedation

To ensure your safety, you will need to fast before your procedure.

Typically:

  • No food for 6 hours before your procedure
  • Clear fluids may be allowed up to 2 hours before

You will receive clear, personalised instructions ahead of your appointment.

Pregnancy testing

For safety reasons, we perform a pregnancy test on the day of surgery for patients of childbearing age.

This is a standard precaution before any procedure involving sedation or anaesthesia.

05

On the day of your procedure

Stylish clinic lounge area with curved pink and cream chairs, abstract artwork, and modern furnishings.

When you arrive at the clinic:

  • You will be welcomed by our team and settled into the pre-treatment room
  • Your nurse and anaesthetist will go through final checks with you
  • The anaesthetist will put a small cannula in the back of your hand
  • You will have the opportunity to ask any last questions

The anaesthetist will administer the sedation via the small cannula in your hand.

You will gently drift off to sleep, and your procedure will begin.

After your procedure

Once your procedure is complete:

  • You will wake up in a recovery area
  • Our team will monitor you until you are fully alert
  • Most patients feel surprisingly comfortable and clear-headed

You will be discharged home the same day once it is safe to do so, after you’ve had something light to eat and drink.

Going home and aftercare

Because of the effects of sedation, it is essential that you follow these guidelines:

You must:

  • Have a responsible adult collect you from the clinic
  • Have someone stay with you overnight

For 24 hours after sedation, you should not:

  • Drive
  • Operate machinery
  • Drink alcohol
  • Make important decisions or sign legal documents

This is to ensure your safety while the sedation medications fully leave your system.

06

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel anything during the procedure?

No — you will be in a deep, sleep-like state and will not feel pain.

Will I remember anything?

Most patients have no memory of the procedure.

Is it as strong as a general anaesthetic?

It feels similar from your perspective, but is less invasive and generally better tolerated.

Why doesn’t everyone use sedation instead of general anaesthetic?

Some procedures still require a full general anaesthetic for safety or technical reasons. Where sedation is appropriate, however, it is often the preferred option.

A calm, carefully managed experience

We understand that the idea of surgery can feel daunting.

Our approach to sedation is designed to make your experience:

As comfortable as possible
As safe as possible
As smooth and stress-free as possible

If you have any questions at any stage, our team is always here to help.

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