What is monitored anesthesia care (mac)?

Serious problems are rare. They include breathing that slows or stops and an allergic reaction to the medicines. The risk of problems increases if you smoke, have sleep apnea, or are overweight.

Sedation is the use of medicine to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during a procedure. Sometimes it's used to help with pain.

Sedation may be used with an injection to numb the area or with other medicine to reduce pain. It's often used in procedures like a colonoscopy or a biopsy. It also can be used in many surgeries. Examples include knee surgery and hernia repair.

You may be awake and able to talk with your care team. Or you may fall asleep. You might remember little, if anything, of the procedure or surgery.

Sedation is usually given in a vein in the arm (intravenously, or I.V.). It may be used with numbing medicines. While you're sedated, a doctor or nurse will watch you closely. They'll make sure you stay safe and comfortable.