4/5: Having an operation:

What should I tell my child beforehand?

Reassure your child that the doctors and nurses know how to make her better, and that the operation is part of this.

Explain that she will have to go to sleep during the operation, and that she will be given something special to help her (anaesthetic) before she goes into the operating room.

Don't pretend there won't be any pain, or she will feel let down when she does have some, and won't trust you again. Make use of the play specialist mentioned earlier, who will use dolls and story telling to prepare your child for her operation.

What if my child wants to know more?

You can explain that she will almost certainly miss a meal before her operation. She will also probably have to take some medicine about an hour before (this is called a pre-med and may make her mouth feel a bit dry).

After this she will have some magic cream' rubbed on to numb the place where the needle for the anaesthetic goes, so that it won't hurt.

Alternatively, she may be asked to breathe in some special air (anaesthetic) which will make her sleepy.

It is dangerous for any child to have food or drink before an operation, so always be careful with your own child and always check before giving other children anything.

What will happen on the day?

If your child is to have a bath before the operation, it would be nice if you could do this yourself.

Sometimes children are also expected to dress in the same sort of operating gown as an adult. This has loose fastening ties down the back and usually the patient doesn't wear anything under it. Your child might not like this, so ask the Ward Sister if it's possible for her to keep some underwear on. Then after the pre-med help her settle quietly in bed.

Whether you will be able to accompany your child into the anaesthetic room depends on the individual hospital. You may find it upsetting to leave her before she's unconscious, or your child may be upset to be separated.

Find out well in advance what your hospital's policy is by asking the Ward Sister or Anaesthetist. If you aren't able to accompany your child into the anaesthetic room, talk to the Sister about the best time to leave.

What happens afterwards?

After the operation your child will spend time in the recovery area. When she returns to the ward she needs to rest and sleep as much as possible, because sleep aids recovery. Don't be alarmed if she sleeps a lot, or if she's restless at first, she will sleep more peacefully as the anaesthetic wears off. Nurses keep a close eye on any patient recovering from an operation to make sure everything is as it should be, and will let you know when it's safe for her to have a drink, sit up, or go to the Ion.

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