Anesthesiology

The Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), offers highly skilled staff that provides comprehensive anesthesia services to patients ranging from birth through 21 years of age who are undergoing surgery. Administering anesthesia to children requires different skills and a unique approach as compared with adults. The pediatric anesthesiologists at CHAM are specifically trained in the subspecialty of anesthesia and many of our staff members have more than 10 years of experience working with sick children whose needs range from routine to extremely complex.  

It may come as a surprise, but many children are exposed to ailments such as scoliosis, which may require surgery. Here at CHAM, the pediatric anesthesiologists have managed more than 100 scoliosis corrections in addition to an impressive array of surgeries ranging from cranial facial to complicated congenital syndromes. Plus, the CHAM team members are pioneers in twin separation, otherwise known as conjoined craniopagus, and have successfully controlled pain for that procedure, as well as many other intricate cases. 

Acute Pain Management

The acute pain management pediatric anesthesiology team is comprised of recognized leaders in pain diagnosis and treatment for both hospitalized and outpatient patients. Our anesthesiologists work with a comprehensive panel of pediatricians, surgeons, social workers, intensive care workers, psychologists, child life specialists and oncologists to optimize every child's comfort level and mobility as they go about their daily activities.

Regularly assessing and reassessing pain intensity and relief is of utmost priority here at CHAM, and we always take into consideration the wishes and preferences of the children and their families when determining the most effective methods for pain management. It is also common for children to not fully report pain associated with illnesses or surgeries, and that is why our anesthesiologists are experts in this field, having undergone extensive pediatric training throughout their fellowship and/or intense work experience. Likewise, our nurses are also specifically dedicated to pain management, so they and the doctors may communicate with and treat children more effectively than other area hospitals.  

Cutting-Edge Treatments

The pediatric anesthesiologists care for children who have recently had surgery with innovative methods that include:

• Patient controlled analgesia (PCA)
• Patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA)
• Epidural catheters (These require specially trained doctors and unique equipment. CHAM is only one of two hospitals in the tri-state region offering this option.)
• Perineural catheters
• Regional nerve blocks

While many children merely require temporary post-surgical treatments for pain relief, we also provide a wide variety of outpatient services for children suffering from chronic discomfort associated with serious illnesses and disorders such as: leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, HIV/Aids, tumors, arthritis, and autoimmune and digestive disorders.

Treating these various ailments requires special expertise and technology. At CHAM, we realize children have a different physiology, so we employ technology that is adjusted to a child's size, weight, and body. Our team also undergoes extra training for technological advances to treat each child with the most effective approach and treatment. 

Family-Centered, Safe Environment

At CHAM, we create a stress-free environment for everyone and offer state-of-the-art care so that your child's anesthesia is administered in the safest, least traumatic manner possible.  We realize that a child's surgery is an entire family experience—not just one person's, as may be the case for adults. From the moment a child arrives, we establish a rapport with him or her—and the entire family. In many cases, a child life specialist will assist your child before and after the surgery, to further alleviate any anxiety your child is experiencing. Available 24 hours a day, our pediatric anesthesiologists welcome your calls and are available to answer your questions at 718-920-4316. We're here to help.

Tania Shiminski-Maher, MS, CPNP