|
Who will take care of my child during surgery?
A team of physicians and nurses will care for your child during surgery. An important part of that team is a group of anesthesiologists who have specialized training in pediatric anesthesia. We’ll watch your child very closely during the entire surgery and monitor his or her heart beat, blood pressure and blood oxygen level to make the anesthesia as safe as possible. An anesthesiologist will be with your child at all times.
How will my child be put to sleep?
The anesthesiologist will determine the safest and least painful method, based on your child's health needs. Depending on condition and age, a preoperative medication may be given to induce sleep. A mask will be placed over the mouth and nose to administer an anesthetic gas, plus oxygen, to put your child to sleep.
What types of pain relief medications will be given to my child during surgery?
Your child will be given pain medication intravenously during surgery. If the surgery site is below your child's waist, a special form of anesthesia called a caudal may be used to numb the area. Your child's anesthesiologist will discuss this with you.
When will my child wake up after the surgery?
Your child will wake up in the recovery room. The effects of the anesthetic will wear off in approximately 24 hours. A physician or nurse will come to the waiting room and get you as soon as you can visit your child.
Will my child get sick after surgery?
Sometimes children get sick after surgery. While we do not anticipate any complications or adverse reactions to anesthesia, you should be aware of some possible reactions.
Nausea and vomiting
Occasionally, patients experience severe postoperative nausea and vomiting after anesthesia. If this occurs, medicine will be given to your child to treat the vomiting. If the child is at risk for dehydration, an intravenous catheter may be placed for hydration. In severe cases, children are admitted for hydration and observation until the vomiting resolves.
Agitation
In some cases, children awaken from anesthesia with extreme agitation and/or crying. This emergence delirium can be extremely upsetting to parents, but your child will not remember the experience. If this happens, we'll give your child medicine to help. No one is really sure why this occurs or which children are at risk, but certain surgeries, such as ear tubes, tonsillectomies and eye procedures, can put a child at risk for emergence delirium. Our primary concern will be for the safety and comfort of your child.
Corneal abrasion
Rarely, a corneal abrasion, or small scratch on the cornea of the eye, may occur during surgery or afterwards in the recovery room, causing redness or pain in the eye. To prevent this, your child's eyes will be taped shut and possibly lubricated with special eye ointment. Redness of the eyelid may result from the tape. If you suspect a scratch on the eye, we will have an ophthalmologist examine your child.
Tooth toss
In extreme cases involving loose teeth or bad teeth, a tooth may become dislodged (tooth toss) during anesthesia. We will attempt to retrieve the lost tooth and give it to you.
Reactions to anesthesia and surgery are rare. However, if your child experiences any of them, be assured we will provide appropriate treatment and discuss the situation with you.
|
Most parents have concerns and questions about anesthesia, regardless of the conditions surrounding their child's surgery. Recognizing this, our pediatric anesthesiologists are committed to providing parents with complete information and to helping them prepare their children for surgery. Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital provides coloring books to help children understand the surgery process. If you do not receive one during admission, please ask your nurse. 