Children

Many of our patients are children who require anaesthesia for various procedures. Usually the children for surgery are prepared with some numbing cream on their hands to minimize discomfort at the start of the anaesthetic. Often these children are put to sleep (in the presence of their parents) by a small injection in the hand. Less frequently a face mask may be used to deliver some gas instead of the needle at the start. 
A little distraction and the comfort of a calm, supportive family member is invaluable at this stage. Once your child is asleep you will need to leave the area and wait until called after surgery.

After Surgery

Your child will awaken in the 'Recovery Room". This is an area close to the operating theatre where pain relief, vital sign  and surgical observations take place. You will be called to be with your child when they regain consciousness.
The child will then be transferred with you to another ward before discharge.

What Can Go Wrong?
Like all medical procedures there are potential risks. The frequent complications are relatively minor and short lived.
  • Minor side effects include
  1. Distress is common and restraint may be required in order to anaesthetise your child.
  2. Difficulty securing an IV may cause bruising and a little discomfort.
  3. Nausea and vomiting is more common in children than adults particularly after some operations.
  4. Throat pain from a breathing tube
  5. Allergic reactions - very rarely serious in children
  6. Pain is expected but is highly dependent on the surgery performed. Pain relief will be tailored to your child's needs.
  • Serious side effects
  1. Pneumonia as result of stomach contents entering the lungs may occur in about one in 5000 anaesthetics in children. Fasting is important to avoid this.
  2. The risk of death or serious disability is extremely rare in Australia in otherwise healthy children.