The use of conscious sedation for outpatient dermatologic surgical procedures.

Background: Dermatologic surgery has undergone increasing levels of sophistication over the past few decades. Commensurate with this demand, an established anesthesia technique called conscious sedation has been employed.

Objectives: Methods for performing office-based conscious sedation are described. Recommendations are made regarding prerequisites for conscious sedation in an office setting, patient selection, complications management, and postoperative discharge requirements.

Conclusion: The goals of anesthesia are to provide for patient safety and comfort, to increase patient acceptance of the procedure, and to enhance the surgeon's efficiency and satisfaction.