You probably feel a little anxious if your child needs surgery. It can be frightening to consider putting your child under general Anesthesia, and it’s normal to feel anxious. Nonetheless, there is encouraging news: according to paediatric anesthesiologist Lauren Licina, MD, “anaesthesia is very safe with a low risk for complications.” “Parents and families shouldn’t be scared.”
However, knowing what goes into the anaesthesia procedure can allay any residual anxieties. In order for you and your child to know what to expect, we asked Dr. Licina to explain what happens.
Children’s Anaesthesia 101
In order to make patients feel painless during operations and other medical procedures, general anaesthesia is used to sedate them. To make sure patients remain unconscious throughout the whole process, anesthesiologists closely monitor their patients.
Several different drugs are taken throughout the procedure. The precise dosage of these anaesthetics is given to children based on their weight and age, with careful adjustments made to guarantee they receive neither too much nor too little.
Significant advancements over time are reflected in the treatments used today. Paediatric anaesthesia was first documented in a case in 1842. Children were then treated like little adults, an approach that ignored the variations in physical development. It wasn’t until 1930 that anesthesiology changed to meet the unique requirements of kids, bringing in new methods and tools fit for patients of all ages.
Is Paediatric Anaesthesia Safe?
Studies reveal that improvements in medicine and technology have made paediatric anaesthesia safer. Every year, more than 6 million children and 1.5 million babies in the US get anaesthesia for medical procedures.
“In the past eight years, there has been a lot of research looking at the long-term effects of anaesthesia in young children,” states Dr. Licina. “The good news is these studies have shown that children who had only a few anaesthetics did not show any behavioural or cognitive deficits.”
Additionally, there has been a greater emphasis on preparing experts to give anaesthesia to the youngest patients.
Children’s Anaesthesia Risks
Even while children’s risks from general anaesthesia are minimal, complications might arise, particularly if procedures are performed on them repeatedly when they are young. When it comes to children under three years old, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues a warning about the potential effects of “repeated or lengthy use” of general anaesthetics or sedatives on brain development.
Dr. Licina clarifies that this caution is based on nonhuman investigations. Since the brain develops as a result of several circumstances, it is difficult to separate any possible effects of general anaesthesia. Potential links between exposure to anaesthesia drugs and a child’s brain development are still being investigated in ongoing study.
When your child requires general anaesthesia more than once, it’s usually not their choice. Many times, these kids are struggling with severe or perhaps fatal medical issues that need to be treated right away. The following conditions could require recurrent anaesthesia:
congenital cardiac conditions
Intestinal twisting or blockage of the bowels
birth defects of the lungs
either a cleft palate or lip
Testicles that have not descended
birth abnormalities include diaphragmatic hernia, pyloric stenosis, gastroschisis, and esophageal atresia
Cancer
“These are situations where delaying surgery is riskier than the small risks from anaesthesia,” says Dr. Licina.
To be safe, anesthesiology guidelines advise postponing some elective surgery until after a kid turns three. Always discuss the best course of action for your child’s particular circumstances with your healthcare professional.
Children’s Limited Use of Anaesthetics
Research suggests that children, even young ones, are unlikely to suffer negative effects from even a small amount of anaesthesia. In these situations, grogginess and moderate nausea are usually the most frequent adverse effects.
Do You Need a Paediatric Anesthesiologist for Your Child?
A paediatric anesthesiologist is not necessary for every surgery. If your child is younger than three years old or is undergoing a lengthy or complex surgery, Dr. Licina advises inquiring about the availability of one.
How to Get Children Ready for Anaesthesia
The most difficult element for many families is the anxiety that precedes a child’s surgery. It’s possible to ease your child’s (and your own) butterflies in the stomach by taking some time to prepare. Here are some pointers:
Be Sincere: Tell your child what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure. Though you should modify your terminology to fit your child’s vocabulary and age, even toddlers should understand what’s about to happen.
Give Your Child Power: Urge your youngster to pose inquiries to their medical personnel. Dr. Licina states, “I teach kids that they are masters of their own bodies.” “They have the right to ask questions to anyone who is caring for them.”
Make a Plan for Your Fear of Needles: A lot of children and adults worry about getting shots. Anesthesiologists can sometimes use numbing medication to help take away the ouchies or let kids fall asleep with gas through a mask before inserting an IV to assist ease that worry. Find out if your child has access to either choice.
Formulate Inquiries: Write down the questions you have before you meet with your child’s surgical team. As you write down your questions, your mind will become calmer and you’ll be more likely to remember everything.
Prioritise Comfort: Allow your youngster to select a few books and a cuddly animal from home to bring to the surgical centre. Objects that are familiar offer solace and a welcome diversion.
Many healthcare facilities give guidance on relaxation techniques or other forms of mental support if your child (or you) can’t seem to get over your anxiety about an impending procedure, says Dr. Licina.
Jessica’s View:
Parents confronting the terrifying experience of their child’s operation must grasp the subtleties of paediatric anaesthesia. Children’s anaesthesia is now much safer thanks to technological improvements and the training that paediatric anesthesiologists get. Even though there are certain hazards involved in giving very young children recurrent or prolonged anaesthesia, these risks are usually surpassed by the need to treat significant medical disorders. By being proactive in preparing their child for surgery, parents can lessen the stress of the procedure for all parties.