European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift für Kinderchirurgie
-
Potential neurotoxicity of anesthetic drugs has been among the most intensively discussed issue in pediatric anesthesia for more than 10 years. It remains unclear how far this discussion has reached the European pediatric surgical community. Our aim was to investigate the thoughts of pediatric surgeons regarding this topic. In addition, we provide an update on the current scientific evidence regarding neurotoxicity together with recommendations for clinical practice. ⋯ The neurotoxicity question has reached the pediatric surgical community. Currently available scientific data do not support the theory of anesthetic drug-induced neurotoxicity in young children. Recent interdisciplinary clinical research focuses on neurodevelopmental outcome after surgery in neonates and infants. The European Safe Anesthesia For Every Tot initiative suggests focusing on proper conduct of anesthesia in children rather than on possible anesthetic drug neurotoxicity.