Paediatric Anaesthesiology

Our anaesthetists look after children before, during and after an operation, keeping them safe and free of pain and adjusting each anaesthetic to the child's age and weight. We also provide sedation so children can have scans and procedures comfortably, with paediatric care across our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

What is paediatric anaesthesiology?

Paediatric anaesthesiology is the care of babies, children and young people who need anaesthesia or sedation, whether for an operation, a scan such as an MRI, or a procedure like an endoscopy. A paediatric anaesthetist is a doctor who plans the anaesthetic around a child's age, weight and health, keeps them asleep and pain-free during the procedure, and looks after their comfort and pain relief as they wake up. Their work covers many operations and tests, not only these examples.

When will your child meet a paediatric anaesthetist?

Your child is likely to meet a paediatric anaesthetist when they need:

• Planned surgery, such as tonsils, a hernia repair or an orthopaedic operation
• A scan that means staying very still, such as an MRI
• Sedation for a procedure like an endoscopy or a dressing change
• Dental treatment or ENT day surgery
• A pre-operative assessment
• Pain relief planned for after surgery

Your child doesn't choose a paediatric anaesthetist directly. The anaesthetist is arranged by the surgeon or the team carrying out the operation, scan or procedure. Before the day, they carry out a pre-operative assessment, so the anaesthetic plan fits your child's age, weight and any health conditions they have.

What to expect

You and your child first meet the anaesthetist for a pre-operative assessment. They ask about your child's health, past operations and any reactions to anaesthetic, check their weight so medicines can be calculated precisely, and explain when your child must stop eating and drinking. Fasting keeps the stomach empty and safe during the anaesthetic. It's also a good time to raise any worries, or to mention a recent cough or cold, which can affect breathing.

On the day, the anaesthetic starts with gas breathed through a mask, or a small tube called a cannula placed in the hand after numbing cream. You can often stay until your child is asleep. The anaesthetist stays with them throughout, watching their breathing, heart rate and oxygen. Your child then wakes in recovery, where a nurse gives pain relief suited to their age. You're called back once they wake.

Paediatric anaesthesiology at Mediclinic

At Mediclinic, our anaesthetists look after children throughout their operation and into recovery. Our anaesthesia includes general, regional and local techniques as well as sedation, so the approach can match both the child and the procedure they need. Our paediatric surgeons operate on newborns, children and teenagers, with the anaesthetic team beside them, and keyhole surgery is available for many procedures. For the youngest or most unwell children, our hospitals also have a neonatal intensive care unit and a paediatric intensive care unit. You'll find our paediatric services at hospitals and clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.