Sedation and Anesthesia Options for Pediatric Patients in the Radiation Oncology Suite
Table 1
Definitions of clinical states of sedation as proposed by the American Society of Anesthesiologist’s task force on sedation and analgesia by nonanesthesiologists [12].
Sedation level
Characteristics
Minimal sedation/anxiolysis
A drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands
Cognitive function and coordination may be impaired
Ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected
Moderate sedation/analgesia
A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation
No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate
Cardiovascular function is usually maintained
Deep sedation/analgesia
A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation
Ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired
Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate
Cardiovascular function is usually maintained
A drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation
General anesthesia
Ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired
Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function
