Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/11/2010

Question
Hello,
  
  I am having surgery next week to correct a tailor's bunion and a hammertoe deformity. During one of my visits to my podiatrist, I was told that I would be under IV sedation for the procedure. I am unsure as to what state of consciousness I will be in. I am terrified that I will be aware of what is going on and I would like to know if I will be asleep throughout the entire procedure.

Thanks!

Answer
IV sedation means that you are awake but sedated. They usually give you a drug that also gives you amnesia so you shouldn't remember what happens during the procedure. They will also give you a anesthetic block of the ankle so you won't feel any pain. So while you won't be asleep, you will be relaxed and won't be nervous.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston