Safe and Effective Conscious Sedation Administered by Dermatologic Surgeons

The study from 23 years ago involved a retrospective chart review of 50 episodes of conscious sedation in 37 patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures. It found that dermatologic surgeons could safely and effectively administer conscious sedation, achieving good to excellent sedation levels with minimal complications, as long as they had extensive training and followed strict guidelines. No emergency interventions were required. Medications like lorazepam and meperidine were effective for longer procedures, and a combination of oral midazolam and inhaled nitrous oxide worked well for children, with an optimal sedation window of 15 to 30 minutes after administering midazolam. Patients valued the amnesia effect of the sedation. The study emphasized the importance of preparation, personnel, monitoring equipment, and emergency preparedness for the safe administration of conscious sedation by dermatologic surgeons.