Pediatrician How dangerous is anesthesia in the child really?

Anesthesia in the child: Parents should ask questions during the discussion
Whether removing the tonsils or correcting a heart defect: Every year, thousands of children have to undergo surgery. Of course, such procedures must be performed under anesthesia. Parents who are unsure of this should not be afraid to ask questions during the discussion.

Many interventions are plannable
Every year, tens of thousands of children are operated on in Germany. The procedures usually have to be performed under general anesthesia. "Often these are plannable interventions such as Inguinal hernia or almond operations. But even emergency interventions must be carried out in children of all ages, for example, fractures or acute appendicitis, "write the district hospitals Reutlingen on its website.

When children undergo surgery, parents are more likely to be afraid of anesthesia and surgery than the offspring themselves. Insecure fathers and mothers can ask questions during the enlightenment interview. (Image: Herjua / fotolia.com)

Parents are often more afraid of anesthesia than their children
Many parents are insecure when their child is undergoing surgery for anesthesia. You can also transfer your doubts to the offspring. According to the Reutlingen district hospitals, many parents are significantly more afraid of anesthesia and the upcoming surgery than their children.

"The children themselves are primarily afraid of potentially painful measures such as taking blood or putting on an infusion and also that they are left alone by the parents in unfamiliar surroundings," the experts say.

Operations are only performed if they are important
But: "Anesthesia is very safe today, and especially in infants and toddlers, operations are only performed if they are important for the health of the child," explains. Hermann Josef Kahl, Federal Press Spokesman of the Professional Association of Children and Youth Physicians (BVKJ) on the website "kinderaerzte-im-netz.de".

Ask questions during the enlightenment talk
"The anesthesiologist will choose the best kind of anesthesia depending on the patient and surgery and is happy to explain it to parents. Parents should not be afraid to ask questions during the briefing, "Kahl advises in accordance with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). An expert from the Society of American Anaesthesiologists said in a statement that anesthesiologists had received special training for years, "ensuring high-quality care".

Inform doctor about diseases
According to paediatricians, it is important to inform the doctor about past and present illnesses of the child, such as whether the child suffers from asthma or allergies. "Ask the specialist if your child should interrupt or stop taking medications that are otherwise used," Dr. Bald.

"A detailed list of all your child's medications, including painkillers and vitamins, is helpful and should be available to the attending physician. Your pediatrician will assist you. What about eating and drinking before surgery? Usually, a patient may not eat solid food six to eight hours before the procedure, "explains the physician.

"If your child already understands a lot, let it know that the surgery is important to correct a problem or make it feel better. Explain that you wait near him to see it when the operation is over, "Dr. Bald. (Ad)