general anaesthesia for the child patient Flashcards
what is the definition of a general anaesthetic?
> the induction of a state of unconsciousness with the absence of pain sensation over the entire body, through the administration of anaesthetic drugs
what is the purpose pf general anaesthesia? (5)
- Analgesia (loss of response to pain)
- Amnesia (loss of memory)
- Immobility (loss of motor reflexes)
- Hypnosis (unconsciousness)
- Paralysis (skeletal muscle relaxation)
what are the two indications for use of GA in children?
- The child needs to be fully anaesthetized before dental treatment procedures can be
attempted. - The surgeon needs the child fully anaesthetized before dental treatment can be
performed
what are the rules for giving GA to a child in the UK?
> Children undergoing general anaesthesia for dental extractions should receive the same standard of assessment and preparation as children admitted for any other procedure under general anaesthesia Hospital Appointment
> Can only take place in a hospital setting
> Can only be administered by a consultant anaesthetist
> Critical care unit must be available
> support by Specialist Paediatric nursing
based on the 2001 causewellow report, where are all GA carried out ?
> in a hospital setting
what must the dentist referring a child for GA decide on/ do?
> Decide that if a child requiring dental extractions is not manageable within general dental practice setting ,they make the appropriate referral
> Adhere to referral guidelines and make use of the recommended proforma
what are certain things you should condisider before offering a GA?
> Routine conservative treatment
> If child is cooperative consider LA +/-RA
> Single Extraction ? LA
> Preference of child
> Preferable in certain medical conditions
when is GA not justified?
> Caries is asymptomatic with no infection
> Orthodontic extractions
> Patient /parent request
when is a GA appropiatre to use?
> Dental extractions should only be performed under general anaesthesia when this is considered to be the most clinically appropriate method of management.
> Young child
> Special needs
> Anticipated distress from local anaesthetic (bad experience)
> Multiple extractions
> Surgical extractions
what are the duties of the referring dentist?
> Responsibility to explain the risk of GA
mortality is approx 3/1mill
- morbidity symptoms associated with the procedure/distress at induction/recovery/nausea post op bleeding
> Discuss the alternative treatment choice
> Explain why the option of GA has been chosen
> Keep a copy of the referring letter
> The referring dentist must be aware of the appropriateness of the care provided by sedation or GA service
after being referred by the GDP, the patient is assed by another dentist in the hospital setting, who are they and what should they be trained in?
> Ideally a specialist in paediatric dentistry Or equivalent ie with experience in Paediatric Dentistry
and trained in =
- behavioral management of children, including
- conscious sedation (particularly inhalational sedation).
- planning and management of children requiring dental extractions under general anaesthesia
when should the assessment appointment take place?
> Assessment should ideally be undertaken at a separate appointment
> this gives enough time for consent
what happens at the assessment appointment?
> Decide if general anaesthesia required
> Preliminary anaesthetic assessment performed by assessing dentist
> Access to the opinion of ananaesthetist,
> The need for sedative premedication is decided
> Information sharing, discharge planning and an
> Explanation of fasting instructions together with an appropriate regimen for analgesia
> Verbal & written information provided
> Sufficient time should be provided to allow the parent / carer and child to arrive at considered opinion and to give informed consent
what are the Pre Op instructions for GA?
> Accompanied by responsible adult who can give consent
> If unwell before appointment to contact surgery/hospital for advice
> Fasting instructions
> Take medication as normal
> No nail varnish
> No School
> Lift home
who can give consent for GA?
> Mother can always give consent
> Father if name is on the birth certificate after April 2002
> Grandparents cannot give consent unless a court order has been sought
> Gillick Competent
> Social workers/Foster parents (if its been approved)
> Adoptive Parents
who administers the GA?
> GA will be administered BY an anaesthetic consultant who has undergone specialist training in pediatric anaesthesia