Anesthesia for Radiological Procedures

The Department of Anesthesia provides sedation for patients who have had difficulty holding still or who can't hold still because of their age.

Common procedures are:

There are two methods of sedation administration used:

Sedation given in the Radiology Department by anesthesia and radiology nursing staff
Deep sedation / anesthesia given in the Radiology Department by the anesthesia staff

Along with your doctor, our physicians determine which sedation criteria would be best for your child. At the time of the exam, a nurse or doctor will discuss with you the most beneficial way to sedate your child. A legal guardian needs to be present to sign a consent form to treat and sedate your child.

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Before the Procedure

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Your child will be assessed and prepared before the procedure. You will be asked questions about your child's medical history, allergies, current medications, previous sedation or anesthesia experience and current health status. Your child's airway, heart and lungs will be examined carefully.

Our goal is for your child to feel safe and happy in our environment. A member of the nursing or child life department will explain, in a child-friendly manner, what the day will be like.

Most radiological procedures are not painful. If an IV is required for sedation or contrast administration, minimal pain may occur.

During the Procedure

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Sedation is provided through two methods: Intravenous (IV), or by mouth or nose. The method is determined by anesthesia medical staff.

Sedation will be given by anesthesia and radiology nursing staff. They will monitor your child closely during the procedure. Equipment will check the heart rate and oxygen levels in the blood. Nursing staff will also constantly observe your child for motion and report to the doctor so additional sedation may be given.

After the Procedure

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Patients are taken to the radiology recovery room and monitored until they awake, which could take one to three hours. We will allow them to sleep until they wake on their own. When children are allowed to wake on their own, they awaken less disoriented and confused.

Prior to discharge, patients will be required to drink a clear liquid or eat crackers and not vomit after 15 minutes of completing intake.

The effects of sedation can last eight to 24 hours. Monitor your child's movements when you leave, as the sedation can make your child unsteady.

Radiological discharge instructions will be provided.

Last Updated 10/2016