Objective To review the experience with conscious sedation administered by dermatologic surgeons at an academic medical center.
Design Retrospective medical chart review.
Setting Outpatient dermatologic surgery unit at an academic medical center.
Patients Fifty episodes of conscious sedation in 37 patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.
Intervention Intravenous and inhaled conscious sedation was administered with strict monitoring during procedures.
Main Outcome Measures Efficacy was subjectively recorded by the administering physician and complications were recorded.
Results Administration of conscious sedation by dermatologic surgeons was associated with good to excellent sedation with minimal complications. Extensive preparation and training were necessary, and strict guidelines devised by a conscious sedation task force were followed. Emergency preparedness was high, although it was not used.
Conclusions Conscious sedation can be safely and effectively administered by dermatologic surgeons in a hospital-based outpatient surgical unit after extensive training. Emergency preparedness is essential, and conservative guidelines should be followed.
