Having an operation for your child

If your child is old enough to understand, it will help to explain what will happen on the day of her operation. Ask the doctor how the anaesthetic will be given (it may be injected or inhaled through a mask). If inhaled through a mask, you will be allowed to stay with your child while he/she is given the anaesthetic, and also be allowed in the recovery room after she wakes up. Try to be with his/her after the operation since she may be frightened.

1. Warn your child that he/she will not be allowed to eat or drink anything on the day of his/her operation
2. Tell your child that he/she will be dressed up for the operation in a hospital gown, and will wear a bracelet with his/her operation
3. While he/she is still in the ward, your child may be given a “pre-medication” (pre-med) to make him/her sleepy
4. Tell your child that she will walk or be wheeled in his/her bed to the anaesthetic room, where he/she will be given an anaesthetic. He/she will fall asleep
5. If your child has stitches, discourage him/her from scratching them. It will hurt only momentarily when they are removed
6. If your child is old enough to understand, it will help to explain what will happen on the day of her operation. Ask the doctor how the anaesthetic will be given (it may be injected or inhaled through a mask). If inhaled through a mask, you will be allowed to stay with your child while he/she is given the anaesthetic, and also be allowed in the recovery room after she wakes up. Try to be with his/her after the operation since she may be frightened.
7. Warn your child that he/she will not be allowed to eat or drink anything on the day of his/her operation
8. Tell your child that he/she will be dressed up for the operation in a hospital gown, and will wear a bracelet with his/her operation
9. While he/she is still in the ward, your child may be given a “pre-medication” (pre-med) to make him/her sleepy
10. Tell your child that she will walk or be wheeled in his/her bed to the anaesthetic room, where he/she will be given an anaesthetic. He/she will fall asleep
11. If your child has stitches, discourage him/her from scratching them. It will hurt only momentarily when they are removed