Sedation and analgesia in the interventional radiology department.

Administration of sedation and analgesia in the interventional radiology suite is often necessary during painful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Although sedative and analgesic agents are generally safe, catastrophic complications related to their use can occur, often as a result of incorrect drug administration or inadequate patient monitoring. The incidence of adverse outcomes related to provision of sedation and analgesia can be reduced with improved understanding of the pharmacology of these medications, by providing adequate monitoring to sedated patients, by recognizing patients who are at increased risk of experiencing an adverse drug reaction, and by early and appropriate management of complications.