When your child is facing surgical treatment, anesthesia as an integral part of the operation is particularly important. Anesthetic drugs or methods can make children lose consciousness, pain and muscle relaxation during the operation, thus ensuring the smooth operation. As a parent, a thorough understanding of the common sense and precautions of anesthesia is essential to ensure the smooth operation and postoperative rehabilitation of children. In the following, I will explain all aspects of children’s surgical anesthesia in detail to help you better understand and cooperate with the doctor’s work.
I. Classification and Selection
of Anesthesia Methods
General anesthesia
General anesthesia, that is, through intravenous injection or inhalation, allows children to quickly enter a state of deep anesthesia, painless and unconscious. It is suitable for most operations, especially those that require the child to be completely still and cooperative.
Regional anesthesia
Regional anesthesia, including intraspinal anesthesia and nerve block anesthesia, mainly acts on the nerves in the surgical area to make them lose sensation. It is suitable for specific surgical sites, such as limbs, trunk, etc. Under this anesthesia, the child remains awake, but the surgical area is painless.
Basic anesthesia
Basic anesthesia is performed after a dose of sedative drugs is given to the child, followed by other anesthetic procedures, such as local anesthesia or nerve block. It is often used in surgical scenarios that require the child’s cooperation but cannot be completely quiet.
2. All-round preparation
before anesthesia Before the
operation, the doctor will inquire about the child’s medical history, allergy history and medication history in detail, and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including the measurement of vital signs and the evaluation of heart, lung, liver and kidney functions. This information will help doctors develop personalized anesthesia plans.
Regulation
of
Diet and Rest
Before surgery, the child should follow the doctor’s dietary advice to avoid excess or deficiency. Usually, newborns need to fast for 2 to 4 hours, infants within half a year old for 4 hours, infants between half a year old and 3 years old for 6 hours, and children over 3 years old for 6 to 8 hours. At the same time, good sleep is very important for children’s rehabilitation and anesthesia effect.
Psychological adjustment
In the face of surgery and anesthesia, children inevitably feel fear and anxiety. Parents should give enough care and comfort to relieve their children’s tension through stories and games. In addition, doctors will also provide psychological assessment and necessary psychological counseling. 3. Strict monitoring and management
during anesthesia
Anesthesia induction and maintenance
Before the
operation begins, the anesthesiologist will use intravenous injection or inhalation to gradually anesthetize the child. During the operation, the anesthesiologist will accurately adjust the dosage and infusion speed of anesthetic drugs according to the child’s vital signs and surgical needs.
Real-time monitoring
of
vital signs During
anesthesia, doctors will closely monitor the child’s vital signs such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that the respiratory tract is unobstructed and to prevent adverse reactions such as respiratory depression and hypotension. At the same time, they will also pay attention to the changes of children’s body temperature.
Prevention and management
of anaphylaxis
A few children may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Doctors will pay close attention to the child’s reaction, once found abnormal, will take immediate treatment measures.
4. Careful nursing and observation
after anesthesia Observation
of the
recovery period After the
operation, the anesthesiologist will gradually reduce the dosage of anesthetic drugs so that the child can gradually wake up. During the recovery period, doctors will pay close attention to the child’s consciousness, breathing, heart rate and other vital signs to ensure a smooth transition.
Pain management strategies
Postoperative pain is inevitable, but excessive pain can affect the child’s recovery and mood. Doctors will develop individualized pain management programs, such as medication, physical therapy, etc., according to the pain level and age of the child. Parents should pay attention to their children’s pain and manage their pain according to medical supervision.
Dietary and activity guidance
During
the recovery period, the child should follow the doctor’s diet and activity instructions. Parents should strictly follow the medical supervision and pay close attention to their children’s physical condition and reaction.
5. The importance
of postoperative follow-up and reexamination For a period of time
after the operation, the child should be followed up and reexamined to evaluate the effect of the operation and the recovery. Parents should take their children for follow-up and review in time according to medical supervision, and give feedback to doctors on their children’s physical condition. If there are any abnormalities, they should communicate with doctors in time and take appropriate treatment measures.
Anesthesia for
children’s surgery is a complex and delicate process, which requires the joint efforts of anesthesiologists, healthcare workers and parents. Through in-depth understanding of the common sense and precautions of anesthesia, we can better protect the safety and health of children, so that they can successfully overcome the difficulties of surgery and meet a better future. As a parent, your understanding, cooperation and support are important guarantees for the success of the operation and the rehabilitation of the child. Let’s work together to create a safer and healthier environment for our children.
Anesthesia
