Describe the role of the anesthesiologist in pediatric care during an operation. Many people do not understand that the anesthesiologist has expertise outside of the operating room, too. Anesthesiologists no longer believe that children suffer less postoperative pain than adults. As a result, techniques such as epidural analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia are increasingly being offered to young children. Discuss honestly the possible side effects and complications of anesthesia during an operation.
Anesthetics have effects on breathing, heart action and blood pressure.
Both you and your patients will benefit from discussing with you their care for any surgical, obstetric or pain management procedure. ASA will provide additional copies of the poster and other materials on request for your Doctors Day activity. Your state component society, medical society and its alliance group or your local hospital's public relations office may be able to provide you with additional resources and ideas. Margaret G. Pratila, M.D., is Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, Cornell University Medical Center, and Associate Attending Anesthesiologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. All rights reserved.