Methods of giving Anesthesia

Anesthesia can be given in different ways. The two most common ways of starting anesthesia are by either breathing an anesthetic through a mask or by starting an intravenous and giving an anesthetic into the vein. Both methods are equally safe. Anesthesia by mask is the method usually used with infants and children. The child breathes normally through a mask and falls asleep within a couple of minutes. He or she will feel dizzy or light-headed and will notice a funny odor prior to falling asleep; however, most children do not find this too objectionable. Older children often find an intravenous injection a more pleasant way of falling asleep. Children who go to sleep with an intravenous injection begin breathing the anesthetic after they lose consciousness.

Occasionally, there may be a specific reason for choosing one method of anesthesia over another; if this is the case with your child, the anesthesiologist will discuss the reasons with you. After falling asleep, the child will continue to breathe the anesthetic through a mask or through a plastic airway which is inserted through the child's mouth into their throat or windpipe. The method which is used depends on a number of factors such as the nature and length of the planned surgery. A child who goes to sleep with a mask may have an intravenous started after they are asleep; this again depends on what type of surgery he or she is having.

Your anesthesiologist will monitor your child very carefully throughout the surgery. The anesthetic normally alters breathing and circulation to some extent. The anesthesiologist constantly watches your child and his or her vital signs to be sure that your child is always doing well. Although your child may be having a "minor" operation, we never consider the anesthetic to be a "minor" event, and we give our full attention to ensuring your child's well-being. An anesthesiologist will be with your child from the time they leave your side until they are safely in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room.