Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/14/2007

Question
My six year old needs to be anesthestized for a dental procedure. The dentist said they use Sevoflorane. How does this medication react in most children? Is it safe to use? Is it the best one for a child with minor asthma, but no other medical problems?  Thank You, Jamie

Answer
Sevoflurane is now the anesthetic gas of choice for children. We used to use Halothane for mask inductions (so taht kids didn't feel the IV going in) but Sevo has replaced it because it is more stable abd better tolerated by children. We have been using it for almost 10 yrs and it has an exxcellent safety record.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston