When Your Child Needs Anesthesia

American Society of Anesthesiologists Public Education Series

Printable Version (3.16MB pdf)

Preparing Your Child for Surgery

• Tell your child as much as possible about what to expect
• Hospital programs/Child Life Specialists
• Discussion with surgeon
• Discussion with anesthesiologist

The Anesthesiologist: Physician / Medical Specialist

• 4 years of college
• 4 years of medical school
• 1 year internship
• 3 years of residency training in anesthesiology
• Subspecialty fellowship training

American Board of Anesthesiology Requirements

• Written examination
• Oral examination
• Recertification examination
• Subspecialty certification

Role of Anesthesiologist Before Your Child's Operation

• Obtain general medical history
  • Medical conditions and diseases
  • Medications / allergies
• Discuss your child's prior anesthetic experience
• Discuss relevant family anesthetic history
• Perform a focused physical examination

Order, Review and Interpret Lab Tests and Diagnostic Studies

• Order preoperative medications
• Determine optimal anesthetic technique
• Explain the anesthetic plan to you and your child and
• Answer any questions that you may have
• Obtain informed consent for anesthesia from parent or guardian

Types of Anesthesia: What Is Best For My Child?

• General Anesthesia
  • induction
    • intravenous
    • mask
• Regional Anesthesia
• Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation
• Local anesthesia

Role of Anesthesiologist During Your Child's Operation

• Maintaining appropriate depth of anesthesia
• Monitoring and supporting vital functions
  • heart
  • lungs
  • kidneys
  • temperature
• Diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions
• Managing fluid therapy & blood transfusions

Role of Anesthesiologist After Your Child's Operation

• Safe transfer to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Management of pain
• Management of respiratory care
• Immediate postoperative care
• Evaluation for discharge to home or patient room

Procedures Outside of the Hospital: Questions Parents Should Ask

• How long will the procedure last?
• How many have been performed in the office?
• What type of anesthesia is necessary?
• Who will administer the anesthetic?
• Are they experienced in anesthetizing children?
• Will the person providing my child's anesthesia be present throughout the procedure and during the recovery period?
• Are monitors and resuscitation supplies in the office?
• What is the plan if my child requires admission to a hospital?

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