Medical Questions » Anaesthetics Questions » Question No. 1111
| Question: | My daughter is 2 years old and need to undergo a small surgical operation. Since she is too young to stay still on her own; she needs to be given general anesthesia. The thought of my kid being unconscious is unnerving me. Is it safe to give anesthesia at such a young stage? What precautions should I take? I am very worried for my daughter. Please advice. |
| Answer: | No doubt, your concern is very genuine as a parent. General anesthesia is given to a child to make him/her fall into deep, sleep-like state to relieve your child from the feeling of pain.
Children respond to anesthesia differently than adults. So, the anesthesiologists at children hospital and clinics are specially trained in children anesthesia. They make sure that your kid is getting the best possible care for the surgery. They monitor your child' s vital functions carefully like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.
Generally Anesthesia induction is 2-3 minute process at the beginning of administration. A parent may be present during the induction. The anesthesiologist determines whether your presence is required depending upon your kid' s age, previous medical history and the duration of the procedure.
So, it is generally safe for you kid. The anesthesia problems are extremely rare.
You shouldn' t provide any food or drink, even water to your kid before the surgery for a specific period of time as recommended by the surgeon, as it may cause some complications. If you provide your kid anything (for example chocolate) close to the time of surgery you will have to reschedule the surgery. |
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