Anesthesia and the Induction Room
What is Anesthesia? | What is the Induction Room? | What Happens Once Anesthesia Is Given? | Exceptions to Using the Induction Room
Our goal at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is to give your child a safe and comfortable anesthetic. The anesthesiologists (anesthesia doctors) and nurse anesthetists (nurses trained in anesthesia for children) work together as a team. They will choose the best anesthetic for your child.
Your anesthesiologist will ask you for a complete medical history. Please be sure to report if your child has had nausea or other reactions as a result of anesthesia or medication. You will meet your anesthesiologist before your child's surgery.
What is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia keeps your child in a special sleep for surgery. It is given to prevent feeling pain during surgery.
When surgery is finished, the anesthesia will be stopped. Your child will then begin the wake up period. Some children wake quickly. Others stay asleep for a period of time. Because of the anesthesia, your child will not remember the operation.
Our goal is to give your child a safe and comfortable anesthetic. The anesthesiologist (anesthesia doctors) and nurse anesthetists (nurses trained in anesthesia for children) work together as a team. They will choose the best anesthetic for your child.
A nurse practitioner with special knowledge in anesthesia will ask you for a complete medical history. Please be sure to report if your child has had nausea or other reactions as a result of anesthesia or medication. You will meet your anesthesiologist before your child's surgery.
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What is the Induction Room?
For most operations, anesthesia is given in an induction room located next to the operating room. "Induction" is the start of anesthesia. The induction process is generally less than 5 minutes, though it may seem longer. If you choose, one parent or guardian may be present in the induction room for the start of anesthesia. If you are not present during the induction period, please know we will comfort and support your child.
If you go into the induction room, you may want to hold your child's hand and talk or sing softly. This can be a comfort to both of you. Your child may bring a favorite doll, stuffed animal, blanket or comfort item into the induction room.
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What Happens Once Anesthesia Is Given?
As children become sleepy from anesthesia, some close their eyes and fall asleep smoothly. Some enter a stage of excitement. During this stage, children may move their arms or legs. Their movements can range from gentle to more forceful. Some appear dizzy, breathe noisily or cough. You may also see unusual eye movements such as eye rolling. This may be upsetting for you to see, but be assured that this is all very normal. Your child will not remember this stage. Your anesthesia team will be at the bedside to reassure and support you and your child during this time.
Your child will become limp as he / she relaxes into a very deep sleep. Once your child is asleep, you may kiss or gently touch your child before you are escorted to the surgery waiting area. After you leave the induction room, your child will be taken into the operating room.
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Exceptions to Using the Induction Room
The anesthesiologist may decide not to start anesthesia in the induction room. Some operating rooms do not have an induction room. In these situations, the start of anesthesia for your child will be in the operating room, without your presence. You may give your child a hug or kiss before your child is escorted to the operating room. Then you will be assisted to the surgery waiting room.
Other exceptions to using the induction room include:
- Your child is under age 10 months of age
- Your child has breathing, heart or other medical conditions
- Your child is receiving anesthesia medicine through an IV
You may not be allowed into the induction room if:
- You are too anxious or feel faint
- There is no other adult to watch other children you have brought with you
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