Intravenous sedation in assisted conception units: a UK survey

A postal questionnaire was sent to all assisted conception units (ACUs) in the UK that undertake IVF. The return rate was 62 of 74 (84%). The majority of units (84%) used intravenous (i.v.) sedation for transvaginal egg collection, whereas 16% used general anaesthesia. There was a great deal of variation in personnel present during the procedure, the use of drugs, the degree of monitoring and the availability of emergency drugs. Most units titrate an i.v. benzodiazepine and i.v. opiate manually, usually midazolam and fentanyl, respectively. This audit demonstrates the wide variation in current UK practice and highlights the need for the adoption of national guidelines for safe use of i.v. sedation in ACUs.