Anesthesiology

As part of the Department of Anesthesiology and at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, the anesthesiology staff provides a full range of anesthesia services to both inpatients and outpatients at the hospital. As specialists in areas of pediatric anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, Nemours anesthesiologists are prepared to meet the diverse needs of children from infancy through adolescence as they undergo surgical or diagnostic procedures. Anesthesiologists dedicated to pediatric care provide child-oriented services to minimize the emotional stress of family separation. The department consists of pediatric anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists. The anesthesiologists engage in cooperative academic and clinical relationships with Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine.

Nemours physicians are specially trained and combine the most up-to-date knowledge from universities worldwide. The Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care for children. The department also recognizes the importance of the parents role in the care and healing process of the child. Nemours pediatric anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists are committed to the complete well being of the child. A member of the anesthesiology staff will remain with the child throughout the entire surgical process.

Services Available:

• Preoperative assessment, evaluation, and treatment before undergoing the stresses of anesthesia and surgery that includes:
  • Lab testing
  • Recording the health history of the patient
  • Conducting a physical exam
  • Determination of sedation
• Perioperative management (care during surgery):
  • Airway management
  • Administration of appropriate anesthetic agents
  • Invasive and noninvasive monitoring
  • Hemodynamic control
  • Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Postoperative management:
  • Airway control
  • Pain management
  • Meeting discharge criteria
  • Post-surgical consults

Additional Resources:

Nemours is committed to keeping children and parents informed of the latest medical information. The division provides a wide variety of pamphlets, articles, and videos to assist parents in learning more about their child's condition and treatment. Nemours also suggests the following sources and organizations where parents can obtain additional information:

• American Medical Association
• Healthfinder
• Mayo Clinic Health Oasis
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• National Library of Medicine
• Quackwatch
• TransWeb Transplantation and Donation
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• USDA for Kids
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Your Child's Anesthesia

All Nemours doctors are specially trained and have pursued higher credentials within their areas of specialty. Why should a parent care? A physician or surgeon who has completed approved training in a specific area is more capable and qualified to treat and manage patients.