When your child needs surgery, it is often a very anxious time for you as a parent. Educating and preparing parents for their child’s procedure is the first step to getting the child comfortable and ready for surgery. In addition, a well-informed family will help to relieve everyone’s uneasiness.
Children are extremely perceptive and often have the ability to recognize nervousness in their parents, so it is important to inform the parents regarding the specifics of what to expect during their child’s surgical procedure.
Our entire anesthesia team is specially trained to handle this need, and will work with parents in a calm, compassionate and informative manner.
Preparing for Anesthesia
Before a child is given anesthesia for the first time, he or she must complete a comprehensive medical history and physical exam, which pays particular attention to any previous anesthetic events the child has experienced as well as his or her overall health.
Keep in mind that many children regularly experience the common cold or a runny nose. Prior to surgery, the anesthesiologist will discuss with the parents whether it is appropriate to proceed with the procedure under these conditions or postpone until later.
Fasting guidelines are different for children, and vary from child to child, so please work closely with your surgeon on the appropriate food regime for your child prior to surgery. For any fasting questions, please contact Carroll Hospital Center’s Preadmission Testing Center (PAT) at 410-871-6100, or contact your child's surgeon.
The day of surgery, please dress your child in comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
Admission Process
The day of surgery, you will come to the hospital and proceed to the Admitting Department. Depending on your child’s surgery, you will either register through the hospital’s Admissions Department or through the Dixon Ambulatory Surgery Center (for outpatient surgeries). After your child is registered, you will be directed to the patient care area where you will be prepped for surgery.
An anesthesiologist will meet with you and explain what to expect. In some cases, the anesthesiologist may give your child sedation before surgery to ease any anxiousness.
When appropriate and in certain situations, a parent is allowed to accompany their child into the OR (in proper OR attire) until the child has been sedated. Please speak with your child’s surgeon and anesthesiologist about this.
The Procedure
During the procedure, a member of the anesthesia team will remain in the operating room with your child throughout the entire case. Your child will be closely monitored throughout entire procedure.
Recovery
After the procedure, your child will be taken to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) to be watched as they wake from the anesthesia. Vital signs are closely monitored during this time period and any problems such as nausea or vomiting will be treated here.
Discharge Home
After discharge, it is best to allow the child to relax at home, with very minimal, light activity. Your child may remain groggy the remainder of the day following the anesthesia. There are no restrictions on diet, but it is recommended to advance the diet slowly and as tolerated.
Pediatric OR Tours/Surgical Orientation
Carroll Hospital Center is proud to offer Pediatric OR tours to children (scheduled for surgery) and their parents to help ease anxieties. This tour allows the child and parent to see the OR and ask specific questions. These tours are offered on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m., but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call our Health Access line at 410-871-7000.