Young children who need procedures often must lie very still in order for the best treatment to be provided. In some cases, the procedure is complex, or the instruments sound scary and loud. Or maybe your child is anxious about having the treatment done.
Since the goal is to provide the safest, most pain-free treatment, anesthesia or sedation may be required. Since CHKD is a hospital with a full array of specialists, we have a wide range of options, tailored to each child’s need and comfort level.
Oral Sedation: This form of sedation can help take the edge off and works very well for some patients. Your child will be given a liquid medication to drink when they arrive at the office.
Nitrous oxide: This is also called “laughing gas.” It is breathed in through a small mask that fits over the nose and is mixed with oxygen. Children don’t usually go to sleep, but they will become more relaxed.
IV sedation: This involves intravenous medication in which an IV is into your child’s vein, usually in the arm or hand. The advantage of IV sedation is the surgeon can give your child a specific amount of medication. If it is a longer perocedure, more medicine
can be given as needed to keep your child calm and comfortable. A sedation nurse will monitor your child's heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during the procedure and until he or she wakes up.
General anesthesia: Under general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep and pain free. Specially-trained anesthesia professionals will administer medications and monitor your child during the procedure.
Pediatric IV Sedation: Some procedures require your child to lie completely still. Perhaps the procedure is complex, the instruments can sound scary, or your child is anxious about having the procedure performed. Since the goal is to provide the safest, most pain-free treatment, intravenous (IV) sedation may be
required.
CHKD provides the most comprehensive setting for IV sedation. An IV is placed into your child’s vein, usually in the arm or hand. The advantage of IV sedation is the surgeon can give your child a specific amount of medication that typically takes effect quickly. For longer procedure, more medication can
easily be given as needed.
The medication can be adjusted to your child’s comfort level and need. A sedation nurse will monitor your child’s heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during the procedure and until your child awakens.
Because IV sedation uses as little medication as necessary to relax your child for the procedure to be completed promptly and efficiently, it is generally very safe.
