Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari: Giving anesthesia to children should be the last resort (Merced Sun-Star, HPSJ OpEd, 2/17/15)
When is it OK to provide general anesthesia for a child receiving medical or dental care?
That is a question I’ve been asked often as a pediatrician, especially when a particular procedure is time-consuming or involves invasive treatment. General anesthesia may be an appropriate option when benefits outweigh risks, when its effectiveness may improve outcomes and when less invasive options have proven unsuccessful. Each child has to be evaluated each time a procedure is planned or considered.
Merced Sun-Star, Article