Common Perioperative Concerns in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Literature Review

There are several disorders that require children to be anesthetized. Sometimes, it is due to the non-cooperation of the children that requires them to be put under sedation for a procedure that is necessary for them, while at other times, it is because of any indicated surgical procedure that they have to go through, that they are put under anesthesia. However, unlike adults, children particularly the pediatric populations have particular demands and requirements that make them special candidates for receiving the required anesthesia. In children, nearly all parameters are different anatomically, physiologically, pharmacologically, and psychologically.

According to some recent studies, it has also been noted that there are significant adverse events that are linked with the induction of anesthesia in the pediatric population, that are bound to arise if care is not taken during or after the anesthesia. These problems could arise in lieu of several factors such as the choice of anesthetic, the mode of anesthesia, airway management, and the reversal of anesthesia. In all cases, it is better to avoid the risk of complications and adverse events by making sure that only the most competent and expert of all staff are involved in the anesthesia team. With proper care and management of anesthesia, it is obvious that the risk of any critical events would be comparatively much less and that the children could be operated on easily.

This review aims to deal with certain problems that arise in the background of anesthesia induction in the pediatric population. The age group that is referred to here belongs neonates to up to thirteen years of age. This review will explore the causes that result from the induction of anesthesia in such populations.