The pediatric anesthesiologists at Children’s Mercy are experts at providing just-right doses of medication for your child during a surgery or procedure. From the tiniest newborns to teenage athletes, our specialists know the best way to keep them safe and comfortable throughout their procedure.

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the use of medications to reduce pain or sensation during a medical procedure. It’s a complex and delicate process, especially in children, who use oxygen much faster than adults and respond differently to medications.

Our board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists understand that kids are not just smaller-sized adults. Their unique bodies deserve specialized care from doctors who work with children all day, every day.

When your child needs anesthesia

At Children’s Mercy, a pediatric anesthesiologist is an active member of your child’s care team throughout their surgery or procedure.

Before the procedure, your child will meet their “sleep doctor,” who will answer any questions your family has.

During the procedure, the anesthesiologist will give your child medicine and carefully monitor their heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing.

After the procedure, your anesthesiologist will make sure your child wakes up as comfortably as possible and continue to help with pain control.

Choosing the best home for your child's care

We know kids

Situations that are rare in an adult hospital are much more common here. We administer anesthesia for more than 27,000 kids per year—that’s 74 per day. Most adult hospitals only treat about 200 kids per year—less than one a day.

Meet our board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists.

Sedation for more than surgery

At Children’s Mercy, we realize that adult-sized expectations—like sitting still and following directions—are tough for wiggly kids. In addition to surgical procedures, our anesthesiologists can provide sedation for medical imaging like CT or MRI scans, starting an IV, and other procedures where it is important for a child to be calm and still.

Caring for the whole child

In addition to your health care providers, your care team also includes a child life specialist, who will explain everything ahead of time in simple and age-appropriate ways. They’ll help your child choose a familiar smell for their sleep medicine and try on a mask, see pictures of the operating room and equipment, and talk about everyone who will be helping them.