Learning About How to Get Ready for Your Child's Surgery

How can you prepare before your child's surgery?

You can do some things that will help you and your child prepare for surgery.

• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
• Tell the doctor if your child has any special needs.
• Ask about the side effects your child might have from anesthesia.
• Follow any other instructions the doctor gave you.
• Talk to your child about the surgery. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Ask if a special tour of the operating area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.

How can you prepare on the day of your child's surgery?

Here are some tips about what to do at home before you leave for your child's surgery.

• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
• Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your child's surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should bathe or shower before the surgery. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
• Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
• Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
• Be sure your child has something that’s a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.
• Have your picture ID ready to take with you.
• Contact your child's doctor if:
  • You have questions or concerns.
  • You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
  • Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
  • You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

What happens at the hospital before your child's surgery?

Here are some things you can expect before your child's surgery.

• Your child's wristband will be checked. You may get a badge or wristband to wear, too.
• You may talk to your child's doctor about the surgery. The nurse will help your child get ready.
• The area of your child's body that needs surgery may be marked. This is to help make sure that there are no surgical site errors.
• Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider during surgery. The anesthesia may make your child sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor your child’s condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
• You and your child may talk with a child life specialist. This person can answer questions about your time in the hospital.

What happens when your child is ready to go home?

You will get instructions about helping your child recover from surgery. This is called a discharge plan. You will get information about medicines, when to see the doctor again, and how to take care of the bandages. You'll learn about activity, diet, and how soon your child can get back to a normal routine.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.