D.4- Diagnostic Imaging Area

The Diagnostic Imaging Area has two fully equipped rooms (respirator with oxygen outlet and anaesthetic gases, ECG, pulsoxymetry and blood pressure) to carry out radiological examinations (MNR and/or CAT). These explorations are carried out once a week and mostly in children less than 5 years of age. The area is covered by 1 anaesthesiologist who is responsible for:

• To verify the preoperative assessment carried out by Paediatrics.
• To attend scheduled surgery and/or urgent surgery in the area.
• To accompany the patient to the ICU after the anaesthetic/surgical procedure is completed.

The anaesthetic techniques mostly frequently used are balanced general anaesthesia with OTI or laryngeal mask, and, occasionally, sedation with propofol and fentanyl at small doses, maintaining spontaneous respiration.

In 2005, approximately 60 radiological procedures (99.5% in children) were carried out at this unit with no complications.