Pulsed laser treatment in children and the use of anesthesia

Background: The rationale for choosing certain anesthetic options in children when they are being treated with pulsed lasers is unclear. Objective: Our purpose was to assess the safety and side effects of general anesthesia in the treatment of vascular lesions and to compare this to treatment outcom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1997-07, Vol.37 (1), p.75-81
Main Authors: Grevelink, Joop M., White, Valentina R., Bonoan, Rowena, Denman, William T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Anesthesia
Anesthesia, General
Anesthesia, Local
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Child, Preschool
Dermatology
Humans
Infant
Laryngeal Masks
Laser Therapy
Medical sciences
Port-Wine Stain - radiotherapy
Retrospective Studies
Vascular disorders of the skin
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Summary:Background: The rationale for choosing certain anesthetic options in children when they are being treated with pulsed lasers is unclear. Objective: Our purpose was to assess the safety and side effects of general anesthesia in the treatment of vascular lesions and to compare this to treatment outcome in the office setting. Methods: We carried out a retrospective chart review of 179 patients, with an age range of 5 weeks to 18 years, who received laser treatment and underwent different anesthetic modalities. The age of the patient and the size, location, and severity of the vascular lesion were also noted. Results: The factors determining the type of anesthesia to use included (1) the age of the patient, (2) the number of treatments, and (3) the size and location of the lesion. Our data showed minimal risk and sequelae of general anesthesia in the treatment of vascular lesions in children. Conclusion: Proper selection of anesthesia is a key factor in dealing with children. Office surgery can be performed safely when small lesions are treated. The use of general anesthesia in the treatment of port-wine stains in children does not appear to be accompanied by increased risk. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:75–81.)
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/S0190-9622(97)70214-7