Preoperative assessment and premedication in paediatrics

Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2013 Nov;30(11):645-50. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0b013e328360c3e2.

Abstract

Preoperative assessment and premedication represent important preparatory steps to ensuring a smooth and effective induction of anaesthesia. A thorough review of the child's medical history, previous anaesthetics, medications, allergies and family history is essential to design the optimal anaesthetic for the child and his/her surgery. Risks must be addressed with the parents as appropriate based on the local standards. Preoperative anxiolysis may assume several strategies, with premedication with a pharmacologic agent very common and most successful. This review focuses on the preoperative assessment and premedication for children undergoing elective surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia / methods*
  • Anesthesiology / methods
  • Anesthetics / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Medical History Taking
  • Parents
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Premedication / methods*
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Preoperative Period
  • Risk

Substances

  • Anesthetics
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents