What Is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation means you remain awake during the procedure unlike general anesthesia which puts you to sleep. You will receive medications for both pain and relaxation. We administer these medications through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. Together, these medications will help you relax and relieve any pain or discomfort you may have.
The Gynecology Conscious Sedation Clinic is an outpatient clinic that offers pain control for patients during common gynecological procedures. Our clinic is staffed by gynecologists, gynecologic surgeons, registered nurses, and medical assistants from Ï㽶ÊÓƵ of Utah Health who have all undergone the appropriate training and certifications.
Services Offered
We can perform a variety of common gynecological procedures with conscious sedation:
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Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion/removal; ultrasound-guided if needed
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Hysteroscopy (+/- polypectomy, small myomectomy)
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Dilation & curettage (for surgical management of miscarriage and other indications)
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Endometrial biopsy
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Colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for cervical dysplasia management
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Bartholin gland cyst/abscess management
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Minor surgical procedures on the vulva, such as benign cysts, biopsies, hymenal abnormalities, skin tags, etc.
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Additional minor procedures
Who Is Eligible for Conscious Sedation?
Any patient deemed appropriate may be eligible for conscious sedation procedures. This includes patients cared for by other health care providers outside of gynecology:
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And others
Patient Criteria
All patients must be between the ages of 16-80. All patients will need a ride home following their procedure.
There are several acute and serious chronic medical issues that may make conscious sedation unsafe:
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Severe obstructive sleep apnea
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Active respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), poorly controlled asthma, etc.
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Active anticoagulation or known bleeding abnormality/coagulopathy
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Recent or ongoing cardiac issues, such as coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), abnormal stress test, known abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG), etc.
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Active infection
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Active alcoholism or opioid use disorder (opioids are used for the procedure)
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Known prior anesthesia complications
Find a Conscious Sedation Specialist
Gynecologic Conscious Sedation Clinic Locations
Farmington Health Center
165 N. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Ave
Farmington, UT 84025
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ of Utah Hospital
50 N. Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Refer a Patient
You will need a referral from your primary care provider or other specialist to be seen in the Gynecology Conscious Sedation Clinic for a gynecologic procedure. Providers can fill out the online referral form to refer a patient. Call 801-213-2995 for questions.
