Child Having Surgery (25 results)

Surgery, as defined by the American Medical Association, is the treatment of disease, injury, or other disorders by direct physical intervention, usually with instruments. Surgery involves the cutting into the skin or other organ to accomplish restoring the body to a healthy state. This may include further exploration of the condition for the purpose of diagnosis, taking a biopsy of a suspicious lump, or removing diseased tissues or organs. In addition, it surgery may be conducted to remove an obstruction, reposition structures to their normal position, redirect channels, or transplant tissue or whole organs. Surgery may be needed to implant mechanical or electronic devices; improve physical appearance; repair an area that has been injured or affected by trauma, overuse, or disease; restore proper function; or relieve pain.

Many children face surgery every year. Some operations are elective procedures, others are required procedures and, in some cases, surgery is an emergency response to an urgent medical condition. The entire family should expect to go through four phases. First, surgical diagnosis is made after medical tests and evaluations reveal a condition requiring surgery. Second, the preoperative management phase begins from the time surgery is decided to the point when the patient is brought to the operating room.

Third, the intraoperative care phase lasts from the time the patient enters the operating room to when the patient goes to the recovery room. And fourth, the postoperative management phase lasts from entry to the recovery room until follow-up clinical evaluation.

  • Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant

    If your baby requires surgery, you may feel helpless. But there’s something you can do to make the experience a little less traumatic: breastfeed. Not only is it comforting for your baby, but nursing will provide the most nutritious and easily digestible food for a healing body.

  • The Day of Surgery

    Before coming to the hospital, remove any watches, necklaces, or earrings that your child wears and leave them at home so they are not misplaced.

  • Surgical Overview (3 results)

    When preparing your child for surgery, there is a great deal to consider prior to the procedure. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding preparing your child, for which we have provided a brief overview.

  • Preoperative Management (5 results)

    Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding preoperative management for your child having surgery, for which we have provided a brief overview.

  • Preparing a Child for Surgery (6 results)

    Being in the hospital can be upsetting for your child, as well as for the whole family. Recognizing the common fears that your child has at each stage of growth and development can help you in preparing him or her for the experience ahead. Some of the ways to prepare include the following:

    • Become as knowledgeable as possible about the surgery planned for your child.
    • Be truthful with any information. Answer your child's questions truthfully, according to his or her age and developmental level.
    • Read books about hospitalization with your child.
    • Take your child on a scheduled hospital tour.
    • Give your child choices, when possible.
    • Make an appointment for preoperative preparations with a child life specialist who can provide age-appropriate explanations using medical teaching tools.

    Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding preparing your child for surgery, based on his or her age and stage of development, for which we have provided a brief overview.

  • Intraoperative Care (3 results)

    Intraoperative care lasts from the time your child enters the operating room to when the surgery is complete and your child goes to the recovery room. During most of this time, your child will be asleep. Becoming knowledgeable about the anesthesia process, what the operating room looks like, and who will be present with your child in the operating room, can alleviate some of your fears. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding intraoperative care for your child having surgery, for which we have provided a brief overview.

  • Postoperative Care (6 results)

    Postoperative care lasts from the time your child enters the recovery room until discharge from the hospital. The length of this phase depends on the type of surgery and your child's medical condition. Most children with minor surgical procedures may be discharged the same day of the procedure. Major surgeries will require longer recovery times and, perhaps, a stay in intensive care.

    During this time, it will be helpful to become familiar with the normal discomforts that your child may experience following surgery and the usual measures taken to help control pain postoperatively. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding postoperative care for your child, for which we have provided a brief overview.