[Rapid sequence induction in pediatric patients--a questionnaire survey to the children's hospitals in Japan].

BACKGROUND

Details of the rapid sequence induction in children with full stomach in Japanese children's hospitals are not known.

METHODS

We sent the questionnaire to the 27 pediatric anesthesia departments in Japanese children's hospitals and asked the practice of two scenarios of full stomach cases; an infant (4-week-old) presenting with pyloric stenosis and a child (3-year-old) with full stomach due to ileus.

RESULTS

We obtained replies from 17 of 27 (63%) facilities. Nasogastric tube was inserted and suctioned thoroughly before the induction of anesthesia in all institutions. Atropine prior to the induction of anesthesia was more often used in infant cases (53%). Awake intubation was not performed in any facilities regardless of the age. Gentle mask ventilation between induction and tracheal intubation were more frequently performed in infant cases (53%). The maneuver of cricoid pressure was utilized in infants in only 24% of all institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

We clarified details of rapid sequence induction in infants and children in Japanese children's hospitals. The practical method of rapid sequence induction was different in 2 scenarios probably due to the consideration of the age, diseases and conditions.