In Episode 3 "Pharmaceutical preventative measures" of the series "How to prevent anxiety in children undergoing urological procedures", MSc. Gülhan Karaöz-Bulut (NL) and Dr. M. İrfan Dönmez (TR) discuss how medications can support anxiety reduction in paediatric urological care. They begin by emphasising that sedation should not be a goal on its own but part of a broader, child-centred strategy aimed at preventing trauma and building trust. The episode reviews several commonly used agents - nitrous oxide, midazolam, dexmedetomidine, clonidine and ketamine - with clear explanations of their benefits, limitations, and suitability for different procedures.
The speakers provide guidance on how each medication affects the child’s experience, with practical considerations such as onset time, duration, side effects and how they may impact diagnostic results. Special attention is given to the impact of sedatives on urodynamic studies, highlighting where certain agents (like dexmedetomidine or ketamine) may alter bladder function. They also address administration methods, such as intranasal and oral routes, and the importance of planning around food intake and hydration.
Throughout, the discussion underscores that medication should be tailored to the individual child and procedure, always supported by experienced clinical staff. The episode closes with a strong reminder that safe and effective sedation enhances both procedural success and the child’s well-being.
*See references and additional research information here
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