Tablet-based Interactive Distraction Preoperative Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tablet-based Interactive Distraction for the Management of Preoperative Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Children develop anxiety during the induction of anaesthesia and video-games might reduce or alleviate it. The investigators intend to conduct a clinical trial to study the effect of tablet-based interctive games on alleviating preoperative anxiety.

It is estimated that 50% of children may suffer preoperative anxiety. They have a higher risk of generating postanesthetic delirium and behavioral changes in the postoperative period up to 67% of cases.

For the management of preoperative anxiety there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Within the first group there's the use of benzodiazepines of short half life like midazolam, however, the use of this medication is not exempt of risks such as paradox reactions, respiratory depression, among others. This is why the non pharmacological mesures have taken force and every day there is more evidence regarding its effectiveness.

There are no reports in Chile or latin america regarding the use of this tools, this is why the investigators designed this study to prove the effectiveness of audiovisual distraction measures in reducing preparatory anxiety compared to premeditation with midazolam.

Inclusion Criteria:

Children aged 2-10 years, under major surgery ambulatory program at Hospital Carlos Van Buren, with no contraindication for the use of midazolam.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with cognitive impairment or sensory deficit Patients with previous history of major surgery will also be excluded Patients with myastenia "Hard airway" History of paroxystic reaction to benzodiazepines Attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder Sleep aphnea Full stomach Adenotonsillar hypertrophy Respiratory acute infections