Pediatric Anesthesiology
Yale Pediatric Anesthesiology is recognized as a distinct subspecialty since the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology of neonates, infants, and children differ from those of adults. Within the Children's Hospital and its pediatric operating suite, the pediatric anesthesia team is able to fulfill its multiple missions for children in a state-of-the-art facility. The availability of distinct pediatric operating rooms, pre-surgical evaluation areas and a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) allows the pediatric anesthesia team and nursing and child life staff to more effectively care for both the medical and emotional needs of children and their parents.
The team provides the Pediatric Preoperative Visit and Tour Program to prepare children and families for scheduled procedures. The program allows parents and children to be exposed to the hospital environment in a less threatening manner. During the visit, the child and parents meet with a pediatric anesthesiologist nurse and child life specialist. The team members explain what to expect before and after the procedure and how pain will be managed. The child and family are taken on a tour of the pediatric operating room and recovery room to familiarize them with the surroundings. Children are engaged in "medical play" where they can touch equipment they will see on the day of the procedure.
Recognizing that unresolved pain can lead to negative physical and psychological consequences during the child's recovery, the pediatric anesthesiology team provides comprehensive perioperative pain management, including patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), epidural analgesics and continuous infusion of opioids. To assess pain levels, the team uses the following factors to determine the best approach to pain management: age, personality, condition, child's description of pain, behavioral observations and activity levels. The team also provides neonatal pain management.
The Pediatric Chronic Pain Management Service was designed to manage the complex nature of the diagnosis and treatment of children with pain problems. The team addresses common and rare disorders, including headaches, sickle cell anemia, complex regional pain syndrome (reflux sympathetic dystrophy), low back pain, recurrent abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain. Treatment plans are individualized to meet the unique condition of each child they may include pharmacological and non-pharmacological means, including progressive relaxation, acupuncture and behavioral modifications.
|
Punjala, Mamatha, MD | Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology | (203) 785-2802 Appts
|
