For parents and caregivers of tamariki (children) having an anaesthetic
If your child needs to have surgery, a procedure, or tests like an MRI or CT scan, they might need to have an anaesthetic. This page gives you important information and tips to help you prepare your child for anaesthesia. The goal is to make sure they have a safe and comfortable experience.
Anaesthesia is very safe. It allows a patient to be comfortable during their surgery. Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who are highly trained to deliver anaesthesia and help look after you before, during, and after your surgery.
This information is meant as a general guide only. It does not replace individual medical advice given by your healthcare providers. You should always ask your healthcare team If there is anything you’re unsure about.
What is anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia allows a patient to be comfortable during their surgery/operation or procedure, whether this is unconscious (like with a general anaesthetic), numb (like with local anaesthesia), or a combination. It’s like turning their brain off for a little while, so they can have their procedure without knowing what’s happening. Modern anaesthesia is very safe and modern surgery would not be possible without it.
Sometimes, your child may receive sedation, which involves giving them medication to make them relaxed and comfortable without making them completely unconscious. They might fall asleep, but it will be easy to wake them up.
Who is an anaesthetist and what do they do?
An anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises in taking care of your child before, during, and after their operation. They will assess your child’s health before the procedure and work together with you to determine the best type of anaesthetic for your child.
You can read more about anaesthetists on our who are anaesthetists page.
Anaesthesia and preparing your child
The anaesthetic medication can be given in different ways. The two most common methods are through an IV (intravenous) line or through a mask (inhaled). You will get the opportunity to talk to an anaesthetist to discuss the different options available for your child.
IV anaesthesia means that the anaesthetic is given through a small tube or straw called a cannula that goes under their skin and into a vein. A cream or patch might be used to make it more comfortable by numbing the skin. Children usually find this type of anaesthesia comfortable and recover well.
Inhaled anaesthesia means you breathe the anaesthetic medications in and out using a mask. Sometimes, the masks even have a nice smell, like strawberries. The anaesthetic gas itself has a sweet scent and is usually well tolerated by children.
Sometimes a sedative ’pre-medication‘ will be given. This means giving your child some sedation to help make them relaxed and comfortable before coming into the operating theatre.
Anaesthesia is very safe because the doctors and the team in the operating theatre have received extensive training. They will take good care of your child using top-quality equipment, monitors, and medicines. They are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. However, like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. If you have any concerns, it’s important to talk to your child’s healthcare team. They will provide you with information and support to address your worries.
To ensure your child’s safety, be sure to give accurate information about their medical history and any allergies they may have to their healthcare team.
When explaining the procedure to your child, use words and explanations that are suitable for their age. Let them know that the doctors and nurses will be there to look after them and keep them safe. Encourage them to ask questions and share any worries they might have. It’s important to be honest and provide simple, straightforward information. Reassure your child that you will be there with them before and after their surgery. Stay positive, calm and matter-of-fact.
When you come into hospital, bring comfort items such as a favourite blanket, or toy to help your child feel more secure during their hospital stay. A toy, book or game to help keep them busy and distracted is also helpful.
If you wish to, you may be able to go into the operating theatre with your child. You should discuss this with your child’s anaesthetist on the day of surgery.
Fasting
To make sure the anaesthetic goes smoothly, it’s important for children to have an empty stomach before their surgery or procedure. Follow the fasting instructions given by the healthcare team. Typically, children shouldn’t eat or have milk for six hours before anaesthesia. However, it’s crucial to keep your child hydrated. Encourage them to drink water and clear fluids (like see-through juice) up to one hour before their operation or procedure. If your infant breastfeeds or bottle-feeds, ask the healthcare team for specific instructions.
Regarding regular medications, follow the healthcare team’s instructions. They will guide you on whether to continue or temporarily pause them. In most cases, medications can be taken with water on the day of surgery.
After their anaesthetic
After their surgery or procedure, your child will be taken to recovery or PACU (post anaesthetic care unit). They may feel sleepy or disoriented when they wake up, but this is normal and temporary. The PACU staff will be there to make sure your child is safe and can quickly give them any medication to make sure they are comfortable.
When you’re travelling home by car after the procedure, if possible, it’s beneficial to have two responsible caregivers. One caregiver can drive and the other can focus on observing and keeping your child safe during the journey.
Will my child experience pain?
Pain is a normal part of healing, and it’s expected to feel some discomfort after surgery. Anaesthetists are experts in providing effective pain relief (analgesia), this is an important part of their job. The anaesthetist will discuss with you and your child the most suitable options to keep your child comfortable.
There are several options to help with pain:
- Tablets or liquid to swallow: They usually take about half an hour to start working. Your child needs to be able to eat and drink for these medicines to be effective.
- Injections or infusions of medications: These medications are stronger pain relievers and are often given through a vein. They work well when your child is unable to eat or drink, or when these need to start working quickly. They can be administered using a pain pump as a continuous infusion or through Patient or Nurse Controlled Analgesia (PCA or NCA).
- Local anaesthetic and regional blocks: These medications are injected around the nerves that supply the area of the operation and are usually given under the anaesthetic to help keep your child comfortable during and after the operation.
Ask your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about the medication your child is receiving.