Anesthetic considerations in the pediatric cancer patient

Anesthetic considerations for the pediatric oncology patient--part 3: pain, cognitive dysfunction, and preoperative evaluation

In part three of this three-part review, we continue with discussion of the effects of tumor and its therapy as they impact neurocognitive functioning, psychosocial issues of the patient and family, and the mechanisms and experience of pain in the child with cancer. A discussion of preanesthetic testing and evaluation in this patient population is next presented for the reader, focusing on the factors which pose the commonest and greatest risks to the child undergoing surgery. Lastly, an algorithmic approach to evaluating and managing key components of the medical history of pediatric patients is presented.