Anaesthesia for minor procedures in children with malignant disease.

Minor invasive procedures in children with leukaemia can be very distressing for patients, parents and staff. In Nottingham a combined clinic has been established with an anaesthetist as an integral member of the team. General anaesthesia, usually by inhalation, is frequently employed. From May 1980 to September 1984, 515 anaesthetics were given to 97 patients. Records are kept to allow analysis of the clinic's function. With close personal contact, induction of anaesthesia becomes increasingly a matter of cooperation between patient and anaesthetist, removing much of the fear of these procedures. The development of this service is described and the reasons for its success are discussed.