American Society of Anesthesiologists Public Education Series
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Preparing Your Child for Surgery
- Tell your child as much as possible about what to expect
- Hospital programs/Child Life Specialists
- Discussion with surgeon
- Discussion with anesthesiologist
The Anesthesiologist: Physician / Medical Specialist
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of medical school
- 1 year internship
- 3 years of residency training in anesthesiology
- Subspecialty fellowship training
American Board of Anesthesiology Requirements
- Written examination
- Oral examination
- Recertification examination
- Subspecialty certification
Role of Anesthesiologist Before Your Child's Operation
- Obtain general medical history
- Medical conditions and diseases
- Medications / allergies
- Discuss your child's prior anesthetic experience
- Discuss relevant family anesthetic history
- Perform a focused physical examination
Order, Review and Interpret Lab Tests and Diagnostic Studies
- Order preoperative medications
- Determine optimal anesthetic technique
- Explain the anesthetic plan to you and your child and
- Answer any questions that you may have
- Obtain informed consent for anesthesia from parent or guardian
Types of Anesthesia: What Is Best For My Child?
- General Anesthesia
- Regional Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation
- Local anesthesia
Role of Anesthesiologist During Your Child's Operation
- Maintaining appropriate depth of anesthesia
- Monitoring and supporting vital functions
- heart
- lungs
- kidneys
- temperature
- Diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions
- Managing fluid therapy & blood transfusions
Role of Anesthesiologist After Your Child's Operation
- Safe transfer to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
- Management of pain
- Management of respiratory care
- Immediate postoperative care
- Evaluation for discharge to home or patient room
Procedures Outside of the Hospital: Questions Parents Should Ask
- How long will the procedure last?
- How many have been performed in the office?
- What type of anesthesia is necessary?
- Who will administer the anesthetic?
- Are they experienced in anesthetizing children?
- Will the person providing my child's anesthesia be present throughout the procedure
and during the recovery period?
- Are monitors and resuscitation supplies in the office?
- What is the plan if my child requires admission to a hospital?
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