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Medical history is very important as some underlying medical problems can, and sometimes will affect the type of anesthetic approach that is chosen for your child. In children with underlying muscle disorders, for example, certain anesthetics need to be avoided to avoid potential harm. Only a thorough medical history can bring these and other problems to the attention of your anesthesiologist. Parents play an important part in preparing children for surgery and or anesthesia. Parents notice children’s personality and can guide the anesthesiologist and how to approach their child. Parents also provide the anesthesiologist with the child’s medical history and can answer any pertinent questions. Parents can also be an important part in keeping the child happy and relaxed while in the operating room, until they go off to sleep. Keep in mind every child and every circumstance is different, and your anesthesiologist might opt for you not to join your child going into the operating room. As an anesthesiologist and pediatric anesthesiologist especially, one encounters many children with many different personalities. It is important for the anesthesiologist to adapt to a child’s personality and involve parents as much as possible to keep them happy and relaxed. We utilize games, toys, stickers, and even movies to distract children until it’s time to go to sleep and can also give medications to relax them. These medications come in form of lollipop, syrups, and drinks, and are therefore very attractive to children.
