Anesthesia for pediatric patients – Starting an IV catheter in pediatric patients can be traumatic and unpleasant.  Most pediatric patients are put to sleep by having them inhale anesthetic gasses.  After they are sleep an IV catheter is inserted in most cases.  To make the experience even less traumatic for the child the anesthesiologist may prescribe sedation to be administered by having the child take a small amount of medicine (usually by mouth) 15 to 30 minutes prior to the start of the procedure.  Once the patient is brought out to the recovery room one parent is usually allowed to come in to stay with the child.