GENERAL INFORMATION:
CHILDREN AND ANAESTHESIA
Surgery and anaesthesia for children can be an upsetting experience, not only for the little patient, but also for the anguished parents.
Please remember that a child undergoing an anaesthetic is nothing strange. Experienced Anaesthesiologists anaesthetize many children every month. While it may be something terrifying for the family, it is an everyday occurrence for the Anaesthesiologist.
Be honest with your little one. Explain to them what is going to happen. Don't mislead them by saying that it "won't be sore" after the surgery. It is far more important to tell them that they may have some discomfort after the operation, but that they will be given enough medicine for the pain. It is very important to make them feel comfortable in the hospital. Bring along a favourite toy. Most hospitals are quite happy for one of the parents to accompany the child into the theatre while the anaesthetic is administered. Please discuss this with the hospital and the Anaesthesiologist.
Most children are anaesthetized with gas. A small mask is placed over the child's face. It takes a while for them to fall asleep and just before they do so, they may go through a phase where they wriggle around on the theatre bed. Do not be alarmed by this. It is quite normal, they are not suffering at all and they don't remember this.
Rules for being without food and drink are slightly different in children.
Please remember that a child undergoing an anaesthetic is nothing strange. Experienced Anaesthesiologists anaesthetize many children every month. While it may be something terrifying for the family, it is an everyday occurrence for the Anaesthesiologist.
Be honest with your little one. Explain to them what is going to happen. Don't mislead them by saying that it "won't be sore" after the surgery. It is far more important to tell them that they may have some discomfort after the operation, but that they will be given enough medicine for the pain. It is very important to make them feel comfortable in the hospital. Bring along a favourite toy. Most hospitals are quite happy for one of the parents to accompany the child into the theatre while the anaesthetic is administered. Please discuss this with the hospital and the Anaesthesiologist.
Most children are anaesthetized with gas. A small mask is placed over the child's face. It takes a while for them to fall asleep and just before they do so, they may go through a phase where they wriggle around on the theatre bed. Do not be alarmed by this. It is quite normal, they are not suffering at all and they don't remember this.
Rules for being without food and drink are slightly different in children.
This information was reproduced from the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) website Patient Corner page with permission from the webmaster (http://www.sasaweb.com)