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Factors associated with a difficult induction of general anaesthesia

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Susan Thorpe

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Abstract

Background: Many children experiencing a procedure under general anaesthetic (GA), including those having surgery for cochlear implantation, display behaviours indicative of distress during induction of anaesthesia. It would be useful to ascertain which factors in the pre-operative period are related to the presence of distress at induction in order to target appropriate psychological preparation. Methods: The families of 84 children aged 4–7 years undergoing a procedure under GA (including insertion of a cochlear implant) completed three questionnaires assessing temperament, behavioural difficulties, and pre-operative worries. Demographic variables were also recorded. The outcome measure was the amount of behavioural distress at induction. Results: Statistically significant relationships with the outcome measure of distress at induction were obtained for three factors; an emotional or sociable temperament, and the number of previous procedures. Further, children receiving inhalation inductions displayed greater distress than those receiving intravenous inductions. Conclusion: Undergoing cochlear implantation under GA isa major life event for many recipients. Psychologically preparing children for this has been found to be efficacious, but is not currently available to all children. It is suggested that preparation can be targeted at children, as identified in this study, who have elevated emotionality or sociability scores or who have previous experience of procedures under general anaesthesia. This is of particular current relevance as children are increasingly likely to require re-implantation as they grow older and as unilaterally implanted children are now being offered a sequential bilateral implant, both necessitating further surgery.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Cropper J, Edwards L, Hearst D, Durling E, Ward C, Albon H, Roberts C, Thorpe S, Murray J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Cochlear Implants International

Year: 2011

Volume: 12

Issue: s2

Pages: s30-s32

Print publication date: 01/08/2011

ISSN (print): 1467-0100

ISSN (electronic): 1556-9152

Publisher: Maney Publishing

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/146701011X13074645127397

DOI: 10.1179/146701011X13074645127397

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