Anaesthetic Technique

How will my child be given anaesthesia?

On the day, you will meet with your anaesthetist. After examining your child and asking questions about your child's general health and anaesthetic history, he or she will outline a plan for anaesthesia.

Sometimes a premed (pre-operative medication) will be given. This could be paracetamol to help with pain relief after the operation or occasionally it could be a sedative, particularly if your child is anxious or upset.

Once in the operating theatre, anaesthesia can be started in several ways. Most commonly, anaesthesia is started by an intravenous injection which is very rapid. A special cream can be applied to your child's hand approximately one hour prior to the operation to make the skin over the veins numb. This will minimise any discomfort.

Another method is to let your child breathe anaesthesia gas through a mask. The gas is a sweet smelling gas which is usually well tolerated. The choice of which method to begin anaesthesia will be made by the anaesthetist based on many factors, and after consultation with you and your child.

Once the operation is finished, your child will go to the recovery room where they will be monitored as the anaesthetic wears off. They will usually stay in the recovery room for 30 to 60 minutes. Occasionally your child may take a little longer to emerge from anaesthesia.