Safe and effective conscious sedation administered by dermatologic surgeons

To review the experience with conscious sedation administered by dermatologic surgeons at an academic medical center.

Retrospective medical chart review.

Outpatient dermatologic surgery unit at an academic medical center.

Fifty episodes of conscious sedation in 37 patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.

Intravenous and inhaled conscious sedation was administered with strict monitoring during procedures.

Efficacy was subjectively recorded by the administering physician and complications were recorded.

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.

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.