Practical radiation oncology
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Complications of anesthesia for pediatric radiation therapy are imperative for both radiation oncologists and anesthesiologists to clinically assess and manage. We performed the first systematic review to date addressing this important issue. ⋯ Rates of anesthetic complications encountered in pediatric radiation therapy are similar, if not lower, than rates reported in controlled operating room settings, implying that anesthesia for pediatric radiation therapy is safe, with low complication rates periprocedurally. Propofol infusion and oxygen delivery via nasal cannula offer the lowest immediate anesthetic complication rates and are hence most recommended for use. Though the long-term neurocognitive consequences of multiple anesthetics in pediatric patients have yet to be clearly defined, health care providers should be cognizant of the potentially serious implications.