Anesthesia for hernia repairs in the lower abdomen not otherwise specified, infants younger than 37 weeks gestational age at birth and younger than 50 weeks gestational age at time of surgery
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure
Anesthesia for Hernia Repairs in the Lower Abdomen in Infants
- Medical Terms: Neonatal hernia repair anesthesia, neonatal anesthesia, infant hernia anesthesia
Summary
This procedure involves administering anesthesia to infants younger than 37 weeks gestational age at birth and younger than 50 weeks gestational age at the time of surgery. The anesthesia ensures the infant is pain-free and unconscious during hernia repair surgery in the lower abdomen.
Purpose
The primary goal is to provide safe and effective pain management and sedation during hernia repair surgery in the lower abdomen for infants. This allows the surgeon to correct the hernia without causing distress or pain to the infant.
Indications
- Presence of a hernia in the lower abdomen
- Infants born before 37 weeks of gestational age
- Infants younger than 50 weeks gestational age at the time of surgery
Preparation
- Fasting guidelines specific to neonates may be given to parents or caregivers
- Pre-surgical assessments including blood tests, imaging studies, and a thorough medical history review
- Discussion with an anesthesiologist about any medications the infant is taking and adjustments, if necessary
Procedure Description
- Pre-operative Assessment: The anesthesiologist evaluates the infant's medical history and current health.
- Administering Anesthesia: An intravenous (IV) line or mask induction is used to deliver anesthetic drugs to the infant.
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) throughout the procedure.
- Maintenance of Anesthesia: Anesthesia is adjusted as required to keep the infant comfortably unconscious during the surgery.
- Post-Operative Care: Gradual reduction of anesthesia dose to allow the infant to regain consciousness while ensuring pain control.
Tools and Equipment: IV lines, anesthesia machine, monitoring devices, and neonatal resuscitation equipment.
Anesthesia/Sedation: General anesthesia is used to ensure the infant remains unconscious and free from pain during the surgery.
Duration
The entire procedure, including pre and post-operative care, typically lasts around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the hernia repair and the infant's condition.
Setting
This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room equipped to provide neonatal care.
Personnel
- Pediatric anesthesiologist
- Neonatal surgeon
- Surgical nurses
- Anesthesia technicians
Risks and Complications
- Common: Minor fluctuations in blood pressure or heart rate
- Rare: Respiratory complications, adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection
- Management: Immediate medical intervention available for any complications
Benefits
- Effective pain management during surgery
- Reduced surgical stress for the infant
- Successful correction of the hernia leading to improved health outcomes
Recovery
- Post-operative monitoring in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Pain management with appropriate medications
- Feeding instructions and care guidelines provided to parents
- Follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery
Alternatives
- Delaying surgery (not commonly recommended due to risk of complications from untreated hernias)
- Non-surgical management (usually not applicable for hernias requiring repair in infants)
Patient Experience
- During the procedure: The infant will be unconscious and not feel any pain.
- After the procedure: The infant may experience mild discomfort managed by medications. Close monitoring ensures comfort and safety.