Radiotherapy:
Due to the accuracy of the radiotherapy treatment and in order to help keep a child / young person still, an anaesthetic may be required. There are two main types of anaesthetic:
- Anaesthetic solution can be inserted into a cannula or portacath / hickman line.
- Anaesthetic gas can be breathed in through a mask.
Who gives anaesthetics?
Anaesthetics are performed by doctors with special training, called anaesthetists. They will ask questions about your child’s health and adapt the anaesthetic to their needs. Sometimes, it may be necessary to postpone a procedure if your child / young person is too unwell to have an anaesthetic.
What can go wrong?
Minor complications of anaesthesia may include pain on injection, a feeling of sickness or sore throat. Rarely (less than 1 in 20,000 cases), life-threatening reactions can occur. Anaesthetists are trained to respond to these events.
Before your child’s general anaesthetic:
Monday to Friday:
Fasting Guidelines:
6 hours for food.
4 hours for breast milk.
Sip clear fluids until called for the procedure.
Eating – You will be told when your child should stop eating on the day of the procedure taking place. This includes no sweets or milk.
Drinking – Your child can continue to sip clear fluids until they are called for their anaesthetic. Clear fluids do not include pure fruit juices (with bits), milk including breast or baby formula, fizzy drinks, red or purple drinks, caffeine drinks or hot drinks.
It is good for your child to sip clear fluids until they are called for their procedure; however, if any food or non-clear fluids are consumed, you must inform a member of the nursing staff immediately.
Some medications can be given as usual on the morning of the anaesthetic; however, ensure this has been discussed with the team beforehand.
Before radiotherapy
Your child will need to be reviewed by an anaesthetist or a nurse before the procedure. Please arrive promptly to your appointment to avoid delays. Please make sure you book in with reception on arrival.
If your child has been unwell, please inform a member of staff as they will need to be assessed to see if they are fit for the anaesthetic.
Your child may need a blood test before radiotherapy. This may be from their central line and we may have to wait for the result to come back before your child can receive their radiotherapy.
If your child is due chemotherapy on the same day, this will be done before or after the radiotherapy.
Going for radiotherapy treatment
Both parents may accompany your child to the appointment but only one parent will be allowed in the radiotherapy treatment room or planning scanner until they are asleep. If they have a favourite toy or comforter, they can take this with them.
Parents can then wait in the waiting room and will be called round when their child is in recovery.
After radiotherapy
Your child’s observations will be checked and they will be monitored during recovery. All patients need to have something to eat and drink before being allowed home. The Radiotherapy Unit can provide breakfast cereals but you are welcome to bring along some food if you prefer.
When at home
Once you are home, try to let your child have a quiet day with plenty to eat and drink.
If you are concerned about any side-effects your child / young person is experiencing following their anaesthetic and radiotherapy treatment, please contact the Paediatric Radiotherapy team.
Contact details
Please contact the Paediatric Radiotherapy team, Day Unit or wards if any of the following occur, once you are at home:
- high or low temperature (38ºC or above / or under 35.5ºC);
- persistent vomiting;
- persistent headaches or dizziness; and
- advice on radiotherapy skin reactions / skin care.
If you have any other concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us on:
Paediatric Radiotherapy team
Tel: 0113 2067810 (answer machine) or 0113 2068619
(Monday to Friday, 8.00 am – 6.00 pm)
Paediatric Oncology/ Haematology Outpatient Clinic
Tel: 0113 3927379
(Monday to Friday, 8.00 am – 6.00 pm)
OUTSIDE OF THESE HOURS:
Ward 31
Tel: 0113 3927431
Ward 32
Tel: 0113 3927432
Ward 33
Tel: 0113 3927433
Ward 52
Tel: 0113 3927452
Ward 94
Tel: 0113 2068194