Children fear the unknown. A well-informed parent can be a great comfort to a child who is about to undergo surgery. © iStockphoto.com/Sean Locke-
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By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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When your child needs surgery, it's natural for him to worry. Whether he's scheduled for a tonsillectomy, the placement of ear tubes or something more serious, he looks to you for reassurance.
Research shows that when parents and kids know what to expect, children have less anxiety before surgery, are discharged earlier and need less pain medication afterwards than children who aren't prepared.
Know the details
Children fear the unknown. A well-informed parent can be a great comfort to a child who is about to undergo surgery. So when you talk to your child's surgeon, ask these questions:
- What type of anesthesia will be used?
- Will my child be given a sedative before receiving anesthesia?
- Will I be able to stay with my child until - or after - anesthesia is given?
- Does the anesthesia have any risks or side effects?
- How long will the surgery last?
- How long will it take for the anesthesia to wear off?
- How soon after surgery can I see my child?
- How long will she be in the recovery room?
- Will my child be in pain after the surgery?
- What can I do to help ease any pain or discomfort?
- When can my child come home?
- How long will it be before she's back on her feet?
Prepare your child
When you talk to your child about his surgery, remain calm and positive.
- Ask him to talk about his fears. Be reassuring. Let him know it's normal to be nervous.
- Answer his questions honestly. If you don't know the answer, tell him you'll ask his doctor - then follow through.
- Don't lie about how they will feel after the procedure. Let your child know that there may be some discomfort after surgery, but that he will be given medication to help relieve it. Explain that in the long run, the surgery will help him feel better than he did before.
- Keep information age-appropriate. Answer questions in words your child will understand. Avoid graphic details.
- Tell your child what to expect when he wakes up. Let him know that you'll be with him once he wakes up.
- Explain what will happen when he gets home. Tell him what he'll be able to eat, whether he'll be able to get out of bed right away and when he'll be able to return to school.
On the day of surgery
The time has come to leave for the hospital or surgical center. How can you help keep your child calm?
- Be honest. Don't tell your child she's going to visit Grandma when she's really going to the hospital. Let her know well in advance where she is going. Like you, she needs time to prepare mentally.
- Distract her. Give her an inexpensive new toy, book or puzzle to bring along. This may help keep her mind off of the operation for a while.
- Remain calm. If you feel anxious or need to cry, step outside your child's room until you feel more composed.
- Stay with your child before the surgery. Depending on hospital policy, you may be able to stay until the time she is wheeled to the operating room - or you may need to leave when she is ready for anesthesia. Let her know that you will be back by her side after the surgery.
- Be there for her after she wakes up. She'll need your love, support and reassurance. If she has same-day surgery, stay with her until it's time to go home. If she is staying in the hospital, make sure that you or another family member is with her as much as possible.
View the original Preparing your child for surgery article on myOptumHealth.com
SOURCES:
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Preparing for your child's surgery and anesthesia ... a parent's role. Accessed: 11/04/2009
- Kain ZN, Caldwell-Andrews AA, Mayes LC, et al. Family-centered preparation for surgery improves perioperative outcomes in children: a randomized controlled trial. Anesthesiology. 2007;106(1):65-74.
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Fact sheet: tonsils and adenoids postop. Accessed: 11/04/2009
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. American Society of Anesthesiologists offers parents 10 tips to help prepare their child for surgery. Accessed: 11/04/2009
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Fact sheet: tonsillectomy procedure. Accessed: 11/04/2009
