Conscious Sedation and Analgesia for Oocyte Retrieval

doi:10.1017/9781108891646.004

Chapter 4 - Conscious Sedation and Analgesia for Oocyte Retrieval

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 November 2022

Jennifer M. Ulyatt and

Sarah J. Martins da Silva

Edited by

Rachel Cutting and

Mostafa Metwally

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Rachel Cutting: Affiliation:
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, London
Mostafa Metwally: Affiliation:
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the University of Sheffield

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Summary

Oocyte retrieval is a necessary part of IVF treatment. Conscious sedation using a combination of midazolam for anxiolysis, propofol for sedation and alfentanil for analgesia is the commonest approach used to provide pain relief for oocyte retrieval. This chapter presents a practical overview of patient sedation for assisted conception. Recommendations are based on the framework for safe sedation practice set out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) and include pre-operative assessment, patient preparation and fasting, sedation and analgesia medication, monitoring and recovery. While conscious sedation is commonly delivered by medical practitioners, nurse-led sedation is increasingly being adopted in the fertility sector as it is both appropriate and safe with certain caveats. We also describe the development of a nurse-led sedation service within a hospital-based fertility clinic (Ninewells Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, UK), and include examples of documentation (pre-anaesthetic chart) and drug protocols developed for effective and safe practice.

Type: Chapter
Information: Manual of Oocyte Retrieval and Preparation in Human Assisted Reproduction , pp. 24 - 36

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108891646.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2022

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