Pediatric Anesthesia Guide: Everything A Parent Should Know
Anesthesia is the use of medical sedatives to decrease the patient’s brain activity during a surgery or medical procedure. Patients under anesthesia are in deep sleep, and their brains are no longer responsive to pain and other stimuli.
Pediatric anesthesia is a specialized branch of anesthesia catering to the unique needs of young patients. Pediatric anesthesiologists are trained to provide the correct dose of anesthesia to infants and children. They ensure that the children undergo pediatric surgical procedures without pain and irritation. The unique needs of children make pediatric anesthesia challenging as compared to regular anesthesia. Hence, it is crucial for every parent to be aware of them to make an informed decision.
A] The Role Of A Pediatric Anesthesiologist
A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical professional who has had the training and experience to provide anesthesia to infants and children. They ensure the child does not feel any pain or discomfort during medical procedures and also ensure their safety.
Pediatric patients who require medical procedures might also have other health problems that could affect the procedure. A pediatric anesthesiologist is the right choice for diagnosing such issues and formulating safe and effective anesthesia for each patient.
The pediatric anesthesiologist understands anesthesia safety for kids and creates and administers tailor-made anesthesia. They are well-versed in airway management techniques, drug response, managing anxiety and fear, and monitoring the safety of the patient.
B] Common Types Of Anesthesia For Children
Different types of pediatric anesthesia are used by medical professionals to meet the unique needs of the children. The pediatric anesthesiologist decides the correct type of anesthesia based on the patient’s medical condition and the type of procedure.
- Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia is generally administered via direct injection near the surgical site. It is used for minor medical procedures for pain relief in just a single part of the body without affecting the patient’s consciousness
- Regional anesthesia: Regional anesthesia numbs the entire surgical site numb, such as the entire limb or abdomen. They usually incorporate nerve blockers and are injected near the nerve cluster.
- General anesthesia: General anesthesia is used to make the patient unconscious for the duration of surgery. Patients under the effects of general anesthesia are in deep sleep and can not feel any pain or respond to stimuli.
C] Preparing Your Child For Anesthesia
It is important to make sure that your child is prepared for the anesthesia as well as the surgery. As a parent, you can visit the pediatric anesthesiologist in advance to discuss health problems and the needs of the child, or to clear any doubts that you would have.
For preparing your child for pediatric anesthesia procedures, explain the concept of inappropriate language. You should also make sure that the child follows the doctor’s guidelines about fasting and medication before the surgery. It is essential to provide complete and honest answers to the child’s questions without scaring them.
D] Risks and Safety Measures
There are certain pediatric anesthesia risks that you should be aware of:
- Airway obstruction and respiratory complications are common risks.
- Some children might have allergic reactions.
- Certain cardiac conditions can cause serious health problems.
- Headaches, vomiting, and nausea are common after-effects.
The safety measures to mitigate risk:
- The anesthesiologist must be aware of the patient’s medical conditions.
- Tailor-made anesthesia, delivered in the correct dose by a trained anesthesiologist.
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs such as pulse, heart rate, and breathing.
- Explain the after-effects of the anesthesia to the patient.
E] Common Pediatric Surgeries Requiring Anesthesia
Various pediatric disorders that require surgeries to treat them are administered by anesthesia. Anesthesia helps to keep the patient safe, and comfortable and not feel pain while under the knife.
Here is a list of some common pediatric surgeries that often require anesthesia.
- Appendicitis
- Intussusception
- Adenotonsillectomy
- Hydrocephalus
- Hepatobiliary
- Reconstructive urology
- Hernia repair
- Hypospadias repair
F] Post-Anesthesia Care and Recovery
The post-anesthesia care for a child is the same as that of post-surgery care. After the patient wakes up from the anesthesia sleep, they should be monitored to see if there are any apparent changes to their vitals. The patient’s oxygen levels, temperature, consciousness, ventilation, and circulation should be closely monitored.
The patient could go home after consulting with the anesthesiologist along with the medical staff from the postanesthesia care. If the patient is experiencing pain in the surgical site, oral medications, intravenous medication, or local anesthesia can be given per the doctor’s prescription to numb the pain. An anesthesiologist can provide tailored medicine for the patient’s condition.
The pediatric anesthesiologist is well-versed with the anesthesia side effects on children and knows how to manage them. Parents need to follow the specific instructions that they give for a speedy recovery.
G] Choosing A Pediatric Anesthesiologist
Choosing an experienced pediatric anesthesiologist is essential as they are responsible for providing anesthesia care to your children. A good pediatric anesthesiologist can meet the unique needs of each child and provide optimal care according to their condition, age, and size. Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing a pediatric anesthesiologist.
1. The Location
The pediatric anesthesiologist should be accessible to you in case of an emergency, hence they must be located where you can reach quickly. Having the anesthesiologist within a convenient traveling distance is essential to prevent serious situations.
2. Speak To The Pediatric Anesthesiologist
Make sure you visit and speak to the doctor before the procedure. Speaking to the doctor will provide you with valuable insight into the procedure as well as the doctor’s. It is best to write down your questions before you speak, so you can clarify the doubts and queries that you have. Notice if the anesthesiologist is welcoming towards the kids, do they make the patients feel welcome, and if they are active listeners.
3. Check The Doctor’s Credentials
While selecting a good pediatric anesthesiologist, remember to check their credentials. You can find information about their medical education, qualification, and experience on their website, so make sure you go through it. You can also ask someone you know for the review or recommendation of a pediatric anesthesiologist.
Conclusion
Children can be affected by various diseases that require surgical treatments, in such cases, prioritizing the patient’s health and comfort is paramount. Pediatric anesthesia is specially designed by pediatric anesthesiologists to cater to the unique needs of children.
A pediatric anesthesiologist is trained and experienced in creating tailored anesthesia solutions for pediatric patients after considering their medical conditions, age, and size. Selecting an expert pediatric anesthesiologist can ensure the patient’s safety during the procedure and healthy recovery.
If you are searching for an expert and experienced pediatric anesthesiologist, get in touch with Dr. Gursev Sandlas to ensure the best care for your child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Different types of anesthesia are used for pediatric patients, depending on the nature of the treatment and the patient’s medical conditions. These include local anesthesia, which is applied to the surgical site, regional anesthesia, which is applied to a nerve cluster near the surgical site and general anesthesia which makes the patient unconscious and impervious to pain and stimuli.
Usually, patients who are about to undergo anesthesia-assisted surgery are instructed not to eat solid foods for several hours before the procedure, and water is allowed a few hours before the surgery. The patient should follow the specific instruction given to them by their doctor and anesthesiologist, as they have the best insight into the conditions of the patient.
A professional anesthesiologist will monitor your child under anesthesia. They would carefully observe the child’s vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
It could take somewhere between 7 to 8 hours for the child to wake up from anesthesia. The time taken by the child to recover from the after-effects of anesthesia can vary depending on the type and dose of anesthesia, ranging from either one hour or even a day.
When choosing a pediatric anesthesiologist, look for their educational qualifications and certificates. Consider their experience with children and their specialized training in pediatric care.
The policies regarding parental presence during anesthesia and the procedure might vary among different medical facilities. The nature and seriousness of the procedure might also be a factor in deciding it. You can speak to the medical professional before the procedure to clear up all the doubts you might have.
