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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
11:19
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
[Pediatric anesthesia and upper respiratory tract infections]
1Hôpital des enfants - HUG, 6, rue Willy Donzé, 1205 Genève. Marie.Malisse@hcuge.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|April 14, 2010
Summary
Children with respiratory infections face higher risks for surgical complications. Decisions on pediatric anesthesia and surgery require careful case-by-case evaluation due to potential risks and consequences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Historically, surgery for children with respiratory illnesses was postponed until symptoms resolved.
- Current data indicate increased postoperative complication risks for children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) up to six weeks post-illness.
- General anesthesia in these children elevates the risk of respiratory events, though significant long-term morbidity is minimal.
Purpose:
- To review evidence-based guidelines for managing anesthesia in children with URTIs.
- To provide a framework for decision-making in daily clinical practice regarding pediatric surgery and anesthesia for children with URTIs.
Summary:
- Children with URTIs are at a heightened risk for postoperative complications following general anesthesia.
- Surgical cancellations due to URTI have substantial emotional, social, and economic impacts.
- There is a lack of consensus on managing these cases, necessitating individualized anesthetic strategies.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice for pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons.
- Aims to reduce unnecessary surgical cancellations and associated consequences.
- Highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines in managing pediatric patients with URTIs undergoing anesthesia.
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