Parents' Page

Preparing Your Child for Anesthesia and Surgery

A Parent's Guide from Your Anesthesiologists at Franciscan Hospital for Children

A Word to Parents

When a child needs surgery, parents may feel frightened for their youngster and a bit overwhelmed with the numerous hospital procedures.  Our anesthesia staff has compiled this information specifically for parents.  It is designed to address parental concerns and to help parents prepare their child for surgery.  We encourage you to review this information.  Contact your surgeon or our Anesthesia Department at (617) 254-3800, ext. 2970 with any questions.

Talking to Your Child About Surgery

Parents can prepare their child for surgery in several ways.  First, it is important to let your child know in advance that he or she will be having surgery and to explain, in simple terms, what will actually happen during the day.

If your child has never been to a hospital, many things adults regard as routine can be surprising and worrisome.  For example, they will have to remove all of their clothes and wear a hospital gown.  Be honest about experiences that may be unpleasant (such as having blood drawn) and offer reassurance about experiences that may be strange, but not painful (such as having x-rays taken or being transported to the operating room).

If your child has been to the hospital before, he or she may have specific worries.  Your child should be encouraged to talk about these concerns and be provided with accurate information.

Among the most reassuring things you can tell your child about surgery is that it will soon be over. It is also helpful to explain the reason for surgery. Parents can serve as good role models by remaining calm, positive and comforting before, during, and after their child's surgery.

Pre-Surgery Diet

Your child's diet prior to surgery is very important.  Anesthesia is safest when administered on an empty stomach.  The dietary guidelines listed below must be followed to help ensure that surgery does not get postponed or cancelled.

Dietary Guidelines - Very Important! 
Please Review These the Night Before Surgery!

Newborn to 6 Months:  Milk or formula up to four hours before surgery.*  Clear liquids up to two hours before surgery.

6 Months to 3 Years:  Milk, formula or solids up to six hours before surgery.*  Clear liquids up to two hours before surgery.

3 Years and Older: Nothing to eat after midnight or up to eight hours before surgery.* Clear liquids up to two hours before surgery.

* Clear liquids=water, apple juice, ginger ale, clear Jello, Pedialyte and other liquids.  Coffee, tea, milk, formula and juices with fruit pulp (grapefruit, orange and tomato) are not clear liquids.

Medication

Children requiring medication (especially seizure and asthma medicines) should take the drug at the usual time with clear liquids or plain Jello. The medication can be taken up to one hour before surgery with a small amount of clear liquid.  You will be advised in advance about considerations pertaining to your child's specific medications.  If there are questions or if you did not receive instructions, please call the Anesthesia Department.

Illness

Please notify your surgeon if your child develops a cold, fever, asthma attack or any other illness within a week before surgery.  Let us know if your child has been exposed to measles, mumps or chicken pox within 21 days of surgery.

Registration

Please arrive at the hospital at the time you are instructed.  Approximately one hour before the scheduled time of surgery is needed for registration, examinations or other assessments by your child's nurses and doctors, including the anesthesiologist.  Enter the hospital at the Outpatient Service Surgery entrance and check in at the Ambulatory Registration desk.

Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian bearing proof of guardianship (paperwork from court). In the situation of unmarried parents, only the biological mother can give consent.  Patients 18 years and older who are not competent to consent to receiving anesthesia or undergoing a surgical procedure nust have their court appointed guardian give legal consent to the planned procedure, wither by phone prior to the procedure, or in person tthe day of surgery.

 

Important - Prior to the day of surgery, court issued guardianship papers must be provided to the Anesthesia Department at Franciscan Hospital for Children.

 

Post-Surgery Care

When your child's medical condition has stabilized you will be given verbal and written instructions for home care before you leave the hospital.  Your child will then be discharged when you are comfortable with this plan. On the following day you can expect a cal from our nursing staff to ensure that your child is making progress.  This will be an opportunity for you to share any concerns you may have with us.

Please Remember: 

  • Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Review and follow Dietary Guidelines.
  • Have your child take his/her medications as suggested by their doctor.
  • Have appropriate door-to-door transportation available to and from the hospital.  After anesthesia, patients need to go home by car (either taxi or private car). You may not go home by public transportation. Please make the necessary arrangements prior to the day of surgery.
  • Contact the Anesthesia Department if you have any questions or need additional information.  The telephone number is (617) 254-3800, ext. 2970.