If the dose doesn't work and the doctor just shrugs her shoulders, say you want a different dosage or drug used. If you encounter resistance, ask that an anesthesiologist be consulted. Since treatment for childhood cancer can take many months, some children build up a tolerance for sedatives and pain relievers. Often, over time, doses may need to be increased or drugs changed. It is reasonable to request that an anesthesiologist be present to ensure adequate pain relief.
All sedation can result in complications, primarily to the airway.
It is imperative that sedation occur under the care of trained, experienced personnel and that the child is monitored until fully recovered from the anesthesia. Understanding what will occur during a procedure and what other parents do to prepare their children will arm you with essential information. Knowing what to expect will lower the anxiety level of both parent and child and lay the foundation for months of tolerable tests. The descriptions of procedures in this article may not exactly mirror your experience. Practices vary by hospital and practitioner and this variability should be expected.