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Patient Guide > Anesthesia for Pediatric Patients
At Group Anesthesia Services, we have anesthesiologists dedicated to the well being of our pediatric population. We not only provide services in the operating room, but throughout the hospital including the MRI/CT scanner and other non-surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anesthesia for Pediatric Patients:
Does my child need a special pediatric anesthesiologist?
All of our anesthesiologists are qualified and comfortable taking care of pediatric patients. However, for very young children, or children with severe illnesses, or children undergoing major surgery, we typically assign a member of our pediatric anesthesia team to the case.
When will I talk to the anesthesiologist about the surgery or procedure?
The anesthesiologist will make a reasonable attempt to contact you the night before surgery or a procedure to discuss anesthesia for your child. (Please make certain your surgeon has the correct phone numbers so that we can reach you). You can always call our office to speak directly to an anesthesiologist about the anesthetic care of your child.
Is anesthesia dangerous for my child?
Modern anesthesia in children is very safe overall. While there are special issues specific to pediatric anesthesia, the chance of major problems is similar or even better than in adults. The primary risk factors revolve around the child's overall health, as well as the type of surgery they are undergoing.
When should I stop feeding my child?
Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you the different timetables for fasting before surgery as these will vary by the age of patient and the time and type of surgery or procedure. A very conservative rule of thumb is to allow no food or drink for six hours prior to the procedure. Again, most anesthesiologists will adjust this quite a bit based on the age of the child, and other specific issues.
When can I start to feed my child after the surgery or procedure?
Once the anesthestic has sufficiently subsided, your child will be allowed to have clear liquids and advance to full feeds as tolerated. You will get more specific directions at the time of discharge depending on the surgery or procedure.
Will my child be sedated? Will he/she get any shots before he/she's asleep?
Often pediatric patients are sedated prior to surgery. The sedative can be in the form of syrup, pill, nose drops, intramuscular injection or intravenous injection depending on your child and the situation. Your anesthesiologist will provide you specific information about sedative options for your child. Typically, most children will be sedated with oral medication, and then "put to sleep" by breathing medication through a face mask.
When can I be with my child?
Parents are usually with their child both in the pre-operative holding unit and in the anesthesia recovery unit. However, for safety reasons, only the child is allowed in the operating room for the induction of anesthesia and during surgery. We very rarely make exceptions to this rule. After the procedure parents will be allowed to see their child in the anesthesia recovery unit as soon as possible at the discretion of the recovery room nurse.
Will the anesthesiologist be with my child the whole time?
As with adult patients, it is our group policy to never leave the patient without an anesthesiologist during any surgery or procedure where an anesthetic is being administered.
How long will the anesthesia last after the surgery?
The after effects of anesthetics can vary with children. However, only when safe will your child be discharged from the recovery unit to home or to their hospital room. Some children will be drowsy after their surgery, but most anesthetics will wear off after a few hours. Another common cause of "sleepiness" after surgery is pain medication, which can frequently make patients drowsy.
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