ABSTRACT
Paediatric anaesthesia differs from adult anaesthesia in many ways, and this becomes less evident as a child reaches adolescence. Special measures are taken to prepare the family for anaesthesia, which are generally not seen in adult practice. The play specialist preparation of children is important for cooperation and distraction and the play specialist will usually be present on induction of anaesthesia. The pre-anaesthetic visit is essential for developing a rapport and explaining anaesthesia. Analgesia such as paracetamol and ibuprofen should be prescribed regularly post-operatively with oral opiate doses for breakthrough. Intravenous access can be difficult to obtain, especially in infants and toddlers, who often have fat pads on the dorsum of their hands and feet. Maintenance is usually achieved with volatile anaesthetic agent, oxygen and nitrous oxide or air. Some anaesthetists use total intravenous anaesthesia; however, this is less common.
