BACKGROUND. Dermatologic surgery has undergone increasing levels of sophist
ication over the past few decades. Commensurate with this demand, an establ
ished anesthesia technique called conscious sedation has been employed.
OBJECTIVES. Methods for performing office-based conscious sedation are desc
ribed. Recommendations are made regarding prerequisites for conscious sedat
ion in an office setting, patient selection, complications management, and
postoperative discharge requirements.
CONCLUSION. The goals of anesthesia are to provide for patient safety and c
omfort, to increase patient acceptance of the procedure, and to enhance the
surgeon's efficiency and satisfaction.