The Child Having Surgery
Preparing the Infant for Surgery
Infants are too young to benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. However, recognizing what is stressful to infants can guide you in planning for your baby's surgery. Things that are stressful to infants in the hospital may include the following:
- separation from parents
- having many different caregivers
- seeing strange sights, sounds, and smells
- new and different routines
- interrupted sleep
- day and night confusion
- It is important to keep your baby's routine the same before the day of surgery.
- Make sure you, your baby, and your family are well rested.
- Bring your baby's favorite security item and perhaps some soothing music to the hospital. This will help create a more familiar environment for your baby. You may make a tape of your voice reading or singing for the nursing staff to play when you are not there.
- Let the nursing staff know what your baby's usual schedule is, including sleep patterns and feeding habits.
- Make plans for at least one parent to be with your baby as much as possible so that he/she will have familiar touch, voice, and smile.
- The most important part about preparing your infant for surgery is for you to try to remain calm. Your baby will sense if you are frightened or stressed. Be well informed about what to expect on the day of surgery and ask questions to alleviate any fears you might have. Relaxed, nonverbal communication, such as voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language can give positive assurance to your baby.
- Be patient with your baby. It is normal for him/her to cry and be fussy during this stressful time. He/she may be very clingy and become hard to comfort and console. Give a lot of love and let your baby know that you will be nearby.
- The brief period before surgery when the baby cannot eat or drink can be difficult. Plan to distract, rock, walk, and comfort him/her during this time.
- Remember, too, to take care of yourself. Simplify your life during this time and do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Remaining positive and calm can help reduce your baby's anxiety.
It is extremely important that you have followed all of the instructions that were given to you by
your baby's surgeon during the preoperative visit. The day before surgery, someone will call you
from the hospital to tell you the exact time to bring your baby to the hospital. You will be
instructed where to go and when to stop feeding your baby. It is very important to follow these
rules. Arriving at the wrong time or feeding your baby after the prescribed times can cause
delays in your baby's surgery, or perhaps even postpone or cancel it.
It is recommended that you make arrangements for other siblings to be cared for at home. Your
attention needs to be focused on your child having surgery.
Before coming to the hospital, remove any jewelry (i.e., necklaces, or earrings) that your baby
wears and leave them at home so they are not misplaced. Also, remove any nail polish so that the
color of the nail beds can be observed during surgery and afterwards.
- Before surgery, you and your baby will be taken to the surgical holding room.
- Your baby will be changed into a hospital gown or shirt and the nursing staff will get your
baby ready for the operation.
- Identification bracelets will be placed on your infant and the nurse will check his or her
temperature, blood pressure and oxygen level. None of this should be uncomfortable for your baby.
- You will meet with several people from the surgical team. This includes the anesthesiologists
and operating room nurses. They will ask you many of the same questions about allergies,
medications and your baby's medical history. They will also tell you more information about
the operating room procedures.
- Waiting for surgery can be a stressful time. There are toys available to distract and comfort
your baby. You can also hold and rock him or her.
- Older infants may be given relaxing medicine to drink before they go to the operating room.
This helps your baby to calmly separate from you. Please discuss this option with your
anesthesiologist the day of surgery.
- The nurse will show you where to wait while your baby is in surgery.
- When the surgery is over, the surgeon will speak with you and let you know how the
operation went.
After surgery:
After the operation your baby will be taken to the recovery room (called the PACU or Post
Anesthesia Care Unit). Once your baby is settled in the recovery room you will be able to join
him/her there. Your baby will stay here while the anesthesia wears off. Your baby's vital signs
will be monitored and your baby may be connected to several machines, including an IV
(intravenous) pump. Ask the nurse about any equipment you do not understand. Depending on
the type of surgery, your baby may be sent home or will go to:
- The children's unit to recover for 24 hours or less
- The children's unit to recover for several days
- An intensive care unit to recover, then to the regular children's unit until time for discharge.
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