Twilight anesthesia is a type of anesthetic technique in which the patient is sedated, but not unconscious. It is used for a variety of surgical procedures, and for an assortment of reasons. Just like regular anesthesia, twilight anesthesia is designed to make a patient feel more comfortable, and to minimize pain associated with the procedure being performed. The technique carries fewer risks than general anesthesia, making it a popular choice among patients and surgeons alike for simple medical procedures. As with any anesthesia, twilight anesthesia should always be performed by a certified anesthesiologist, who will interview the patient before the procedure, and monitor the patient's health while he or she is under anesthesia.

Two alternate names for twilight anesthesia are IV sedation and conscious sedation. As the terms imply, a patient under twilight anesthesia is in a sedated state, but the patient may not be entirely asleep. The anesthesia relieves anxiety on the part of the patient, and also creates a state of amnesia, so that the patient will not remember the procedure later. Many of the drugs used to induce twilight anesthesia are the same as those used in general anesthesia, but the dosages are much lower.

A local or regional anesthetic is always applied to the area being operated on. This anesthetic ensures that the patient will not feel pain during the procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, the patient may be awake enough to talk with surgical staff, which can be extremely useful for some procedures. In other case, the patient remains in a state of light sleep while the surgery is performed. The drugs used in twilight anesthesia are fast acting, and also quick to reverse, so the patient can be woken up in a matter of minutes.

There are risks to twilight anesthesia, as with any medical procedure. Drug allergies or interactions, for example, may cause an unfavorable result. This is why it is important to pay attention during the pre-surgical interview, and to submit to blood work to look for potential problem areas. People who experience extreme anxiety or claustrophobia should also inform the anesthesiologist, who may choose to use a deeper level of sedation on these patients. Directions for surgical recovery should also be closely followed, to ensure quick and healthy healing.

Patients who are interested in twilight anesthesia should discuss it with their surgeons. As a general rule, if a procedure is eligible for twilight anesthesia, the surgeon will recommend it. There may be a reason why twilight anesthesia is not suitable for a particular surgical case, in which instance the surgeon or anesthesiologist will discuss options with the patient.