Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/6/2007

Question
My son is going to get operated on next week for a reflux condition from his kidney down to his bladder.  The doctor has performed hundreds of the operation and has reassured us that everything will go smooth though I am concerned about the anesthesia part of the procedure.  Am I being a worry wart.  My son is 6 years old and is very healthy.  Are young children at a higher risk for having problems during an operation?

Thanks for you help!

Sam Tanguy in Virginia

Answer
Your child is not very young (by anesthesia standards) and has a VERY small risk from anesthesia or surgery. Other than being cranky (and maybe nauseous) for a day or so, your child should have no problems from the procedure or the anesthesia.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston