Pediatric Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Anesthesiology deals with rendering patients insensible to pain during surgical and diagnostic procedures, the care of the patient under anesthesia and returning the patient to an awake state. Pediatric anesthesiology encompasses this overall concept, plus the intense support of the infant, child or adolescent, each age group having its own particular physical and psychological needs. Particular attention is paid to the psychological needs of the patient.

Pediatric anesthesia is precision anesthesiology. The medical staff is prepared to administer anesthesia or deep sedation and render support to the tiniest 400-gram premature infant or the 250- pound high school athlete. To do this, we use an array of equipment unavailable in the usual adult hospital situation. Ventilatory needs, fluid replacement needs and temperature control must be met in an exacting, precise manner.

The faculty and staff of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia at Arkansas Children's Hospital are available 24 hours a day for consultation with physicians throughout Arkansas and the United States. Further information is available on the ACH Web site, referencing Medical Services.

The Pediatric Pain Medicine Program provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment for infants, children, and adolescents with acute and chronic pain conditions. The inpatient pain service treats acute pain secondary to surgery, trauma, burns, dressing changes, painful procedures and chronic medical conditions. Treatments include patient controlled analgesia, epidural infusions, and other methods of analgesic delivery. Some of these recurrent pain conditions, such as cancer and sickle cell, may be managed on an outpatient basis. Behavioral and psychological interventions are implemented when appropriate in conjunction with pharmacologic treatments. For complete and detailed information regarding services offered by the Pediatric Pain Medicine Clinic, see page 98.

Chief of Pediatric Anesthesiology

Timothy W. Martin, MD
501-364-2933
Fax: 501-364-2939

Note: This clinic is available to your child by physician referral. Talk with your child's physician and tell him/her you would like to be referred to ACH. Have the doctor contact the Arkansas Children's Hospital Appointment Center to make a referral at 501-364-4000. If your child does not have a regular physician, please call 501-364-4000, option 1 and we will be happy to recommend one in your area.