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If anyone has any questions about pediatric anesthesia just send me the question and I will do my best to answer it.

Typical Pediatric Anesthetic

A typical anesthetic for an infant through child would be performed like this: the patient would be assessed by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist to determin the type of anesthetic to be used realted to the type of surgical procedure being performed. The patient would be assessed for level of anxiety related to separation from parents or guardians. If it was determined that the patient needed pre-medication, oral versed would be given approximatly 15 minutes prior to the start of the anesthetic. The versed helps the patient (and sometimes the parents) be more relaxed when the moment of separation occurs. Once in the operating room the patient will be placed on the operating table. Standard monitors will be placed on the patient to monitor vital signs and include: ECG, blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximetry. A mask will be placed over the mouth and nose and the patient will be administered a mixture of oxygen, nitrous oxide, and sevoflurane until they no longer respond to painful stimulus. The patient will maintain spontaneous ventilation or ventilation will be supported by the anesthetist. An IV will be started, usually in the hand or foot for administration of fluids and medications. The anesthesist will determine the proper breathing device to be used according to procedure being performed. Three common devices are the mask, which is the least invasive, but also least secure. The LMA which sits in the oropharnyx and is moderatly invasive and moderatly more secure. Finally, an endotracheal tube can be used which is placed through the vocal cords and is the most invasive and most secure. The child wil be asleep for all of these and will not be aware that they have the mask on or the LMA or the ETT in there mouth. The patient will be given pain medicine through the IV along with anti-nausea medications. Any antibiotics will be administerd. The patients vital signs and respirations are monitored continuously throughout the procedure by the anesthetist who never leaves the patient without anesthetic care. Once the procedure is complete the patient will be allowed to wake up. The mask will be removed or the LMA or ETT will be removed once the patient shows signs of being able to protect their airway. The patient will be taken to the post anesthesia care unit and once the patient starts to wake up and is stable the parents will be asked to come and be with their child.
This is a typical anesthetic on a non-complicated procedure and healthy child. If you have questions about specific procedures and how the anesthesia may differ please feel free to post your questions.

Pediatric Anesthesia Information

Let's start this by saying that I am a certified and licensed professional currently practicing at a major children's medical center and that I administer anesthesia to neonates, toddlers, children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults daily. I have started this blog to help anyone with questions about anesthesia for children. It can be an anxious process for both the parents and the child. I will periodically post information that is pertinent to pediatric anesthesia and will have links to sites that provide information about pediatric anesthesia. My goal is to be a resource to anyone with questions about the anesthesia process related to children. Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions.