Pediatric Anesthesia Guide : Everything a Parent Should Know

As a general rule, anesthesia is the use of medical sedatives to reduce the amount of activity of the patient’s brain during a surgery or medical procedure. Due to the fact that the patients are under anesthesia, they are in a deep state of sleep, and their brains are no longer sensitive to pain or other stimuli during the procedure. 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 prospect of surgery can be distressing to parents and kids alike, but the idea of a child undergoing anesthesia can be often be even more concerning to families. Still, many babies and young children need anesthesia to be able to tolerate tests, surgeries, and other minor invasive procedures. As a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni has special training and years of experience treating children. He knows what makes treating these patients different. 
Here, Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni answers four common questions parents often have before their children undergo anesthesia.

Types of Anesthesia for Children

Several factors determine the type of anesthesia your child receives, including their age, diagnosis, and procedure. There are three main types of anesthesia:

Local anesthesia is typically administered directly through injection near the surgical site, providing pain relief for minor medical procedures without affecting the patient’s consciousness. It targets a specific area of the body.

Regional anesthesia, on the other hand, involves numbing the entire surgical site, such as an entire limb or the abdomen. It often utilizes nerve blockers and is administered through injection near nerve clusters.

General anesthesia is employed to render the patient unconscious throughout the surgery. Individuals under the influence of general anesthesia experience deep sleep and are unable to feel pain or respond to external stimuli.

Preparing your child for Anesthesia

Preparing your child for anesthesia is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free medical experience. Start by having an open and age-appropriate conversation with your child about the upcoming procedure, explaining in simple terms what anesthesia is and how it will help them stay comfortable during the medical intervention. Reassure them that a caring team of doctors and nurses will be there to look after them throughout the process. If possible, visit the hospital or surgical center beforehand to familiarize your child with the environment. Pack a comforting item, like a favorite toy or blanket, to bring along on the day of the procedure. Follow any pre-operative fasting guidelines provided by the medical team, and ensure your child feels loved and supported. By addressing their concerns, providing clear information, and creating a reassuring environment, you can help alleviate anxiety and make the experience more manageable for your child.

What are the Side Effects of Anesthesia for Children?

Anesthesia is generally safe for children, but like any medical intervention, it carries potential side effects.

• Headaches, vomiting, and nausea are common after-effects, but these side effects usually subside within a few hours.
  
• Children who undergo procedures involving a breathing tube may experience a mild sore throat afterward. This discomfort usually resolves within a day or two.
  
• It’s normal for children to feel sleepy or drowsy after anesthesia. The effects wear off gradually, and most children return to their normal energy levels within a few hours.
  
• Some children might have allergic reactions.
  
• There is a possibility that some children may exhibit temporary changes in behavior, ranging from irritability to tears. Short-term emotional fluctuations are common.

What is Post-Anesthesia Care for Pediatric Patients?

Children are treated post-anesthesia in the same way they are treated post-surgery. When the patient wakes up from the anesthesia sleep, their vital signs should be monitored to see if they have changed. It is important to carefully monitor the patient’s oxygen levels, temperature, consciousness, ventilation, and circulation. After consulting with the anesthesiologist and the post-anesthesia care staff, the patient was allowed to go home. In cases of pain in the surgical site, the patient can receive oral medications, intravenous medications, or local anesthesia as prescribed by the doctor. The anesthesiologist can recommend the right medicine for the patient based on his or her condition. Anesthesiologists with experience treating pediatric patients have a thorough understanding of anesthesia side effects. If parents want their children to recover quickly, they should follow the instructions they provide.

Conclusion

When kids face illnesses that require surgery, it’s crucial to prioritize their health and comfort. In that case, pediatric anesthesia comes in- specifically designed by pediatric anesthesiologists for children. These specialists are like superheroes in the medical world. They’re not just regular anesthesiologists; they’re trained to create personalized anesthesia plans that fit each child’s unique needs. Their decisions are based on factors such as the child’s age, size, and medical condition. It is important to choose a skilled pediatric anesthesiologist to ensure your child’s safety during the surgery.
If you’re on the lookout for the best pediatric surgeon in Thane, Bandra, and Chembur, consider reaching out to Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni.