Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pediatric anesthesiologist?

Pediatric anesthesiologists are a physicians trained to direct the pre-surgical, or perioperative, care of infants and children, including the preoperative evaluation, administration of the anesthesia, as well as care and pain management after surgery. Anesthesiologists have obtained a medical degree, completed a residency in anesthesiology, and completed fellowship training in pediatric anesthesiology. Our physicians are board-certified in general anesthesiology and fellowship trained in pediatric anesthesiology. Pediatric anesthesiologists understand the stress and anxiety in both their patients and their patients' parents that are associated with hospitals and surgery, and are dedicated to providing care that is both expert and caring.   

Who will be caring for my child during their anesthetic?

Your child will be cared for by a pediatric anesthesiologist. Registered nurses and technicians will also be involved in the care of your child in the pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia care units.

What type of anesthesia will my child have?

The type of anesthesia your child receives will depend on the type of surgery or procedure that is being performed. In most cases, your child will require general anesthesia, meaning they will be completely asleep and unaware of their surroundings. Your pediatric anesthesiologist will discuss the different options with you.

How are anesthesia medications administered?

Anesthesia medications are most often inhaled using a breathing mask or injected into a vein. In some cases, local anesthetics may be injected into the skin or the area surrounding a nerve to numb the area where surgery is being performed.

How Can I As A Parent Help?

Children tolerate surgery and anesthesia better when they are well prepared. As with all of us, children have natural fears of the unknown. Anything you can do to relieve these anxieties and to inform your child about the coming events in the surgery center and the operating room will greatly improve your child’s experience. Your composure as a parent is essential. Nothing calms a child more than a confident parent. Although it is natural for parents to have anxiety when their children are having surgery, it is best not to convey this to your child. Reassure your child that everything done during the visit will be explained beforehand.   

  Why can’t my child eat or drink before their procedure?

Your child cannot eat or drink prior to surgery and anesthesia due to the risk of aspiration of the stomach contents into the lungs. This is a very serious complication that can result in life-threatening injury to the lungs.

 Will My Child Wake Up In The Middle Of The Operation? 

 No, this is highly unlikely. The anesthesiologist will stay right with your child at all times, and makes sure that they are fast asleep. Sometimes, people have   reported hearing things while anesthetized, but, again, this is highly unlikely. In just about all these very rare cases, no pain has been reported.  

How Long Will It Take To Wake Up? 

When the surgery has finished we will stop the anesthetic medications and allow your child to awaken. This usually takes less than 15-20 minutes. Your child will then be taken to the recovery room where they will be monitored by a recovery room nurse. At this time the surgeon will come talk to you about the surgery. Usually, once the recovery room nurses have recorded your child’s vital signs and satisfied themselves that your child is stable, you will be allowed to come back and be with them.  

My Child Has A Cold, Runny Nose, Or Fever. What Should I Do? 

If your child is not having a ear, nose or throat surgery, it may mean that the surgery should be rescheduled. If your child has a cold, congestion, cough, fever, or a runny nose please call your surgeon or the medical center.  

My child takes medicine on a regular basis. Can she have it the morning of surgery?

We ask that you especially continue all medicine to treat seizures, breathing problems (such as for asthma), transplants, and for behavioral issues. Please limit your child to a sip or two of water with these medicines if it is more than four hours before surgery. Instructions for blood pressure medicines and diabetes medicines should come from your child’s doctor. Most other medications are not required the day of surgery, but specific concerns can be directed to your child’s doctor or our pre-admission department.

How Safe Is The Anesthesia For My Child?

 Anesthesia is very safe today. The anesthetic risks depend on your child's medical history, and we will discuss them with you before your child's surgery. Complications from anesthesia have declined dramatically over the last 25 years.

There is risk, but it’s minimal

Reactions are extremely rare. The most severe—and the rarest—can be life threatening. Indeed, the risk of a "routine" anesthetic is many times smaller than the risk of being injured while driving a car.. Every member of our staff is focused on children, and our physicians have the expertise and experience to keep your child as safe as possible.

Minor risks of anesthesia can be common. They include:

• Feeling sick or vomiting after surgery

• Having a sore throat, trouble swallowing, nasal bruising or sore teeth or lips 

• Feeling pain or having bruises in the arm where the IV was placed

• Bruising or redness on the skin or some numbness. This can happen from the pressure of lying down during surgery and does not last long.

Kids should take it easy for the first day or two following surgery to let the anesthesia get out of their system – and even longer if directed by the surgeon to allow for healing from their procedure. We also recommend bland foods to help with nausea. 

NPO guidelines for children 6 months of age or older:

• No clear liquids up to three (3) hours before surgery.

• No breast milk up to six (6) hours before surgery.

• No formula milk up to eight (8) hours before surgery.

• No solid food up to eight (8) hours before surgery.

Who can I contact if I have questions about anesthesia before or after the procedure?