The difference between anesthesia and sedation
With anesthesia, your child is put into a deep sleep with medication. They do not respond to pain and will not remember anything afterward.
Sedation can range from light to very deep. With light sedation, your child may respond when spoken to and can usually remember everything afterward. With very deep sedation, your child may only respond lightly to pain and will not remember anything afterward. Sedation is also commonly referred to as "a light sleep" or "twilight sleep."
The choice between light sedation, deep sedation, or anesthesia depends on the procedure and your child’s health. Your treating physician and the anesthesia team will discuss with you what is best for your child.
Beforehand
If your child is receiving sedation or anesthesia for the first time, a preoperative screening (POS) will be conducted. The anesthesiologist or sedation staff will examine your child and ask a few questions. You will also receive information about the sedation or anesthesia, including when your child should stop eating and drinking. A medical pedagogical care provider will help prepare your child.
The anesthesia or sedation process
You will accompany your child to the department or day treatment area. Your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature will be measured. When it’s time, your child will be taken to the room where the procedure will take place. Your child will lie or sit on a bed and have a red light sensor placed on a finger or toe to measure oxygen levels in the blood. If needed, a band will be placed on the arm, and stickers will be placed on the chest to monitor blood pressure and heart rate. After this, the anesthesiologist or sedation staff will put your child to sleep. You are always allowed to be present when your child is put to sleep and when they wake up.