Features of the use of anesthesia “Sevoflurane” in the treatment of children

Ensuring the comfort and safety of children receiving medical treatments is of utmost importance. Many procedures require anesthesia, which is essential for preventing pain and anxiety in children. Sevoflurane is a type of gas that is frequently used in pediatric care to help children remain calm and pain-free during surgeries or other treatments.

Due to its rapid onset of action and gentle nature, sevoflurane is frequently chosen. Youngsters wear masks to breathe it in, and after a short while, they feel at ease and go to sleep. Sevoflurane is preferred by doctors because, in comparison to some other anesthesia options, it has fewer side effects, which makes it perfect for younger patients.

Sevoflurane is one of the safest options for anesthesia, despite parents’ concerns, especially if they are concerned about their children. It has been extensively studied. Any concerns regarding its use in pediatric care can be reduced by knowing how and why it functions.

Features

"Sevoflurane" is a liquid used for inhalation. It is volatile, odorless (sometimes a sweetish, indistinct odor is possible), colorless and without sediment. The main ingredient of the drug is called sevoflurane and is contained in the solution in an amount close to 100%. It is he who has anesthetic properties, allowing the use of such a drug in surgery and dentistry. The solution is sold in plastic bottles of 100 or 250 milliliters only by prescription. It should be stored in a place where the temperature will be 15-30 degrees Celsius. Freezing the liquid is prohibited, and the shelf life of such a medicine is 3 years. Use the drug only in a hospital.

When a child is given "Sevoflurane" for anesthesia, they are allowed to breathe through a mask. The infant is then placed under a deeper level of anesthesia and, if needed, an intravenous catheter is placed into the sleeping child.

The medication can be used without additional anesthetics for minor surgical procedures. "Sevoflurane" has a fairly strong analgesic effect, but sensitivity quickly returns after waking up. For this reason, doctors also use local anesthesia when treating teeth, and they carry out the most painful procedures as soon as the patient falls asleep in order to minimize discomfort. Furthermore, ibuprofen or paracetamol are frequently administered following surgery.

Children are frequently given sevoflurane as anesthesia due to its ease of use and ability to promote rapid recovery. It is effective for minor surgeries because it eases children’s transitions to sleep and wakefulness. However, since every child responds to anesthesia differently, doctors closely monitor its use to ensure safety, especially in young patients.

When used in children?

"Sevoflurane" is a popular medication used for induction anesthesia, which is the process by which an operation is started. If an anesthesiologist is performing a short-term surgical intervention, like removing adenoids, he may only use this medication. Furthermore, pediatric dentists frequently administer "Sevoflurane." When a baby needs dental work done, sevoflurane is used because the procedure cannot be completed without anesthesia. It has long been understood that treating pulpitis and other issues with baby teeth is crucial, as neglecting them can have detrimental effects on the permanent bite.

In cases where multiple teeth are affected or an abscess has formed, it is advisable to administer anesthesia and treat the infant promptly.

This approach is frequently used when the patient is uncooperative or when the infant is hostile toward dentists and oral procedures in general.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • the drug is administered painlessly;
  • under the influence of such an inhalation agent, the child quickly falls asleep;
  • the depth of anesthesia is easy to control;
  • "Sevoflurane" is almost insoluble in the blood and leaves the child"s body unchanged;
  • as soon as the drug supply is stopped, the patient immediately wakes up;
  • after coming out of anesthesia, the discomfort is minimal;
  • the liquid does not irritate the respiratory tract of small patients;
  • the drug does not have a significant effect on the rate of blood flow;
  • the drug can be used as the only medication for anesthesia;
  • sedation with "Sevoflurane" does not affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys, even if it is impaired;
  • unwanted consequences after such anesthesia are rare;
  • the safety of the solution for children has been repeatedly confirmed by research and medical practice.

One of the primary drawbacks of "Sevoflurane" is its expensive price; a bottle of the solution costs nine to ten thousand rubles. The operation will come at a significant cost if you use it the standard manner.

A unique low-flow technique was created to lower the procedure’s cost. In this technique, the patient’s exhaled air—which contains roughly half of the medication—is cleaned of carbon dioxide before being reintroduced into the respiratory system. This lowers the chance of overdosing and keeps the respiratory tract at the proper humidity level, all while enabling you to use less medication.

Possible harm

Because a high dosage of "Sevoflurane" can cause respiratory depression and a drop in blood pressure, the medication is given to small patients using a specialized device that carefully regulates the amount of solution they receive. The anesthesiologist has to keep an eye on the child’s condition throughout the procedure so that they can react quickly to any unfavorable side effects.

Furthermore, prior to administering the medication, confirm that the infant is not contraindicated for "Sevoflurane" inhalation. These include:

  • hypersensitivity to sevoflurane or other components of the solution;
  • risk of developing malignant hyperthermia (a dangerous complication that occurs with inhalation anesthesia);
  • renal failure (this is a relative contraindication);
  • increased intracranial pressure;
  • tendency to seizures.

It’s also crucial to prepare for the procedure properly. The child must refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least four to five hours prior to anesthesia.

Ignoring this advice could result in severe side effects from treatment; for example, vomiting could happen and allow undigested food to enter the respiratory system. The infant also receives an ECG, is prescribed blood and urine tests, and undergoes a pediatrician examination.

However, as with many medications, "Sevoflurane" can cause side effects even if all the guidelines are followed. While reviews from parents and anesthesiologists claim that these are uncommon, occasionally the child notes the following after emerging from anesthesia:

  • drowsiness;
  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • increased salivation;
  • apathetic mood;
  • bradycardia;
  • fever;
  • agitation;
  • urticaria;
  • cough;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • depressed breathing;
  • vomiting;
  • chills;
  • itchy skin;
  • mood swings.

As soon as you experience these symptoms, you should notify your doctor.

Reviews

Mothers generally have good things to say about "Sevoflurane." They claimed that this kind of anesthesia assisted in tooth healing or other procedures, and the child generally responded to it normally.

Physicians also point out that side effects from "Sevoflurane" are uncommon. They stress that the low-flow approach minimizes harm because the drug has a mild effect on the patient and the child’s condition is under control.

Feature Description
Age Suitability Sevoflurane is commonly used in children due to its fast-acting and easily controlled effects.
Quick Recovery Children tend to wake up quickly after anesthesia with Sevoflurane, minimizing post-surgery drowsiness.
Inhalation Method Sevoflurane is given through a mask, making it less scary for younger kids than injections.
Minimal Side Effects Sevoflurane usually has fewer side effects, like nausea or vomiting, compared to other anesthetics.
Controlled Dosage The dosage of Sevoflurane can be adjusted easily during surgery, ensuring the child stays safe and comfortable.

Sevoflurane is a commonly used anesthetic in pediatric medicine due to its quick onset of action and generally good tolerance in young patients. It facilitates a seamless entry and exit from anesthesia, which is crucial for younger patients who might be apprehensive about medical procedures.

Like any medication, levofloxacine is thought to be safe for use in children, but it can have adverse effects. Throughout surgery, doctors closely observe each child’s reaction to make sure they stay stable and comfortable. Sevoflurane has been extensively studied and is frequently used in pediatric care, which should reassure parents.

All things considered, sevoflurane provides a safe, dependable anesthetic alternative for kids, minimizing anxiety while they receive essential medical care. Any worries should be discussed with your healthcare provider so they can walk you through the procedure and let you know what to anticipate.

Video on the topic

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Svetlana Kozlova

Family consultant and family relationship specialist. I help parents build trusting relationships with their children and each other. I believe that a healthy atmosphere in the home is the key to happiness and harmony, which I share in articles and recommendations.

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