Patients are not asleep. They will respond to commands, but they are not aware of the surgery being performed. Conscious Sedation is often used in short, outpatient surgeries because it wears off quickly and has few side effects. Patients receiving this type of anesthesia should have an IV in place, receive oxygen and have heart and oxygen level monitoring. Patients are usually given medication through a vein that puts them to sleep.
General anesthesia requires either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist to be present.
Patients must be monitored for blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels. It is also used in outpatient operations where it is necessary for the patient to be completely asleep. This is the most important part of you surgical experience. It also is the part over which you have the least control. After all, you will either be asleep, sedated, or unable to see what is going on.