Zeitschrift für Anästhesiologie und Schmerzforschung

Fast Track in Anesthesia for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Benefits and Risks

Abstract

Salah M Asida

Anesthesia for pediatric cardiac surgery has special features and considerations regarding the patient, the pathophysiology and the surgical maneuver which will be done. When planning to do fast track anesthesia one should put this in mind from the start during induction of anesthesia. Good selection of the patient, proper management of anesthesia and co-operation with the surgeon together with follow up of the patient in the pediatric intensive care unit will ensure successful early extubation. Fast tracking has many advantages regarding safe recovery, less hospital stay, more free beds in the intensive care, early assessment of the results of the surgery and avoiding and diminishing the risks of prolonged mechanical ventilation. We recommend this technique as much as it is safe and beneficial to the patient.