Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for Procedures on the Larynx and Trachea in Infants
Common name(s): Baby Anesthesia, Infant Intubation Anesthesia
Technical terms: Pediatric Anesthesia for Airway Surgery, Neonatal Laryngeal and Tracheal Anesthesia

Summary

This procedure involves administering anesthetics to babies who need surgery or other medical procedures on their larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe). It ensures the child feels no pain and remains still during the operation.

Purpose

Medical Condition/Problem:

To safely perform surgical or diagnostic procedures on the larynx and trachea in infants.

Goals/Expected Outcomes:

• Provide pain relief and sedation.
• Ensure patient immobility for precision in surgical procedures.
• Maintain adequate airway management throughout the procedure.

Indications

• Congenital abnormalities of the larynx/trachea (e.g., laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia).
• Airway obstructions or stenosis.
• Need for airway reconstruction or intubation.
• Diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy.

Preparation

• Fasting guidelines: No solid food for 6 hours and no clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to regular medications as per doctor’s advice.
• Pre-procedure assessments including a thorough physical examination and possibly blood tests.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-Procedure: The patient is assessed and prepared in the preoperative area.
2. Anesthetic Administration: The anesthesiologist administers anesthetics through an IV or inhalation mask.
3. Monitoring: Vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing) are continuously monitored.
4. Intubation: A breathing tube may be inserted into the trachea to ensure the airway remains open.
5. Maintenance of Anesthesia: Anesthesia is maintained throughout the procedure using a combination of drugs.
6. Completion: Once the surgery is completed, anesthesia is gradually reduced, and the patient is monitored during recovery.

Tools and Equipment:

• Anesthesia machines
• Monitoring equipment (EKG, pulse oximeter)
• Endotracheal tubes and laryngoscopes

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• General anesthesia is typically used.

Duration

The length of the procedure varies, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Setting

• The procedure is performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized pediatric surgical center.

Personnel

• Anesthesiologist or pediatric anesthesiologist.
• Pediatric surgeon or ENT specialist.
• Operating room nurses and anesthesiology assistants.

Risks and Complications

Common:

• Soreness at the IV site.
• Nausea or vomiting post-procedure. ##### Rare:
• Adverse reactions to anesthetics.
• Airway complications (e.g., laryngospasm, bronchospasm).
• Infection or bleeding.

Benefits

• Effective pain management and sedation.
• Safety and precision in airway procedures.
• Improved surgical outcomes and comfort for infants.

Recovery

• Post-procedure observation in a recovery room.
• Monitoring for any immediate complications.
• Instructions on feeding and activity restrictions post-discharge.
• Follow-up appointments to assess recovery and surgical outcomes.

Alternatives

• Local anesthesia (rarely used in infants for these procedures).
• Non-surgical interventions, depending on the condition. ##### Pros and Cons:
• Alternatives like local anesthesia may reduce systemic risks but are less effective in managing pain and movement in infants.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the infant will be under general anesthesia and unconscious. Post-procedure, the child may experience grogginess, slight discomfort, or temporary sore throat. Pain management will be provided to ensure comfort. Parents can expect the child to be monitored closely until fully awake and will receive detailed care instructions upon discharge.