Surgery

For the procedure, the individual is positioned on his or her side, stomach, or back.  

Throughout the surgery, the anesthesia team closely monitors the individual to ensure his or her safety and comfort. Medication is given to the person not only to provide anesthesia but also to control the heart rate and blood pressure.

Commonly used medications include the following:

• Midazolam (Versed) - A benzodiazepine that helps decrease anxiety and cause amnesia
  
  
• Fentanyl (Duragesic, Transdermal, Sublimaze Injection), Morphine, Hydromorphone - Narcotics that lower the pain of surgery and decrease anxiety
  
  
• Propofol (Diprivan) - A hypnotic that can be used to induce anesthesia or to maintain sedation
  
  
• Volatile agents (gases) - The inhaled medication that keeps a person from feeling anything