Any trip to the doctor can be a frightening experience for children,
but an upcoming surgery can be especially terrifying.
In addition to facing a procedure they may not fully understand, children
also fear what they believe will most certainly cause them pain.
A pediatric
anesthesiologist is specially trained in knowing how
children react to hospitals before, during, and after
surgery. The goal of your child’s
anesthesiologist is to make sure the entire hospital
stay is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. This includes a meeting
with you and your child before the operation, monitoring your child throughout
the procedure, and managing your child’s pain
after surgery.
Before surgery, the anesthesiologist
will meet with you and your child. During this interview,
he/she will ask you several questions concerning your
child’s physical condition.
These questions may include facts about general health,
any specific medical conditions, including asthma and allergies, family
medical history, any medications your child may be taking (including
over the counter drugs and herbal remedies), smoking, drug use, and previous
experiences with anesthesia. It is very important to be as honest and
thorough as possible with the anesthesiologist during this meeting to
ensure the best care possible for your child. This is also the perfect
time for you to ask any questions you might have or address any of your
concerns about anesthesiology.
During surgery, the anesthesiologist is
not only responsible for making sure your child is
comfortable, but he/she also ensures your child’s safety, watching
out for any change in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, or any other
physical change. Through controlling pain and level of consciousness,
he/she makes sure conditions are the best they can be for a safe and
successful surgery.
Communication with your child is especially important
to help relieve any fears about an upcoming surgery.
The more you know about the procedure, the better you
will be able to help your child prepare.
Western Anesthesiology Associates provides pediatric anesthesiology
services at St. John's Mercy.
