[Principles of qualifying children for planned surgical procedures]

Children are prone to greater preoperative stress and more frequent accidents during anaesthesia. To reduce stress--a preoperative visit, information for child and parents, premedication and parental presence during induction of anaesthesia have all been successfully used. Surgery can often be performed as a "day case", there is no need for longer than 6 hour fasting (2-3 hours in infants and after fluids only) before induction of anaesthesia, and needle sticks are often avoided before the child loses consciousness. Laboratory tests are also not needed in children with good general health status planned for minor procedures. There is less emphasis on minimal hemoglobin level of 10 g/dl, the physician assessment of circulatory status is preferred rather than stiff laboratory values. Less stress for children means also less problems during induction and recovery as well as less need for prolonged postoperative care.