What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia controls pain during surgery or another kind of procedure. It could also make your child sleepy or forgetful. Or it may make your child unconscious. It depends on what kind of anesthesia is used. The doctor or nurse will make sure that your child is comfortable and safe during the procedure or surgery.

What type will your child have?

The type of anesthesia your child has depends on many things, such as:

• The type of surgery or procedure and why your child needs it.
• The age of your child.
• Test results, such as blood tests.
• How worried your child feels about the surgery.
• Your child's health. The doctor and nurses will ask you about any past surgeries your child has had. They will ask about any health problems your child may have, such as diabetes or lung or heart problems. Your doctor may also ask if any family members have had problems with anesthesia.

You will talk with the anesthesia provider about the options. You may be able to choose the type of anesthesia your child gets.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

Major side effects aren't common. But all types of anesthesia have some risk. The risk depends on your child's overall health. It also depends on the type of anesthesia and how your child responds to it. Serious but rare risks include breathing problems and a reaction to the medicine.

Some health conditions increase the risk of problems. Your child's anesthesia provider will find out about any health problems your child has that could affect your child's care.

A doctor will watch your child closely during the procedure. They'll make sure that your child stays safe and comfortable.

What can you do to prepare?

Children do better if they know what to expect. You can make it less scary by being calm and talking about what will happen. Explain to your child that he or she will be in a strange place, but that many doctors and nurses will be there to help.

Tell your child that there may be some discomfort or pain after the procedure. But remind him or her that you will be close by. Bring books or toys to comfort and distract your child.

Before your child gets anesthesia:

• You will get a list of instructions to help prepare your child.
• Your doctor will let you know what to expect when you get to the hospital, during the surgery, and after.
• You will get instructions about when your child should stop eating and drinking.
• If your child takes medicine regularly, you will get instructions about what medicines your child can and can't take.
• You may be asked to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of anesthesia. Before you do, your anesthesia provider will talk with you about the best type for your child and the risks and benefits of that type.

Many children are nervous before they have anesthesia and surgery. Ask your doctor about ways to help your child relax. These may include relaxation exercises or medicine.

What can you expect after your child has anesthesia?

• Right after the surgery, your child will be in the recovery room. Nurses will make sure he or she is comfortable. As the anesthesia wears off, your child may feel some pain and discomfort.
• Tell someone if your child has pain. Pain medicine works better if your child takes it before the pain gets bad.
• When your child first wakes up from general anesthesia, he or she may be confused. Or it may be hard for your child to think clearly. This is normal. Your child may feel the effects of anesthesia for several hours.
• If your child had local or regional anesthesia, he or she may feel numb and have less feeling in part of his or her body. It may also take a few hours for your child to be able to move and control his or her muscles as usual.

Other common side effects of anesthesia include:

• Nausea and vomiting. This does not usually last long. It can be treated with medicine.
• A slight drop in body temperature. Your child may feel cold and shiver when he or she wakes up.
• A sore throat, if your child had general anesthesia.
• Muscle aches or weakness.
• Feeling tired.

After minor surgery, your child may go home the same day. After other types of surgery, your child may stay in the hospital. Your doctor will check on your child's recovery from the anesthesia and answer any questions.