Information for Parents

 

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SURGERY
  • Ensure that you understand the procedure that your child is having.
  • Explain to your child in simple terms and answer any of their questions honestly prior to the operation.
  • Please bring any favourite toys or items which will help comfort your child.
  • Please bring with you extra clothing and nappies if necessary.
  • Parents are encouraged to accompany their children into the operating room and stay with them until they are asleep.
  • It is advisable to be present when your child wakes from the anaesthetic.
PREPARATION FOR THE ANAESTHETIC

It is important that your child has an empty stomach prior to any anaesthetic. If the stomach is not empty there is a risk of vomiting and breathing the contents into the lungs. Fasting means no solid food or milk for 5 hours prior to the procedure. Clear fluids may be given up to 3 hours prior to the procedure. Clear fluids are defined as water, lemonade or apple juice. Do not give your child orange juice.

POST OPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Nausea and vomiting is a common side effect of anaesthesia and surgery. It is advisable to allow your child to eat and drink when they want to, do not force them. If your child is vomiting, stick to clear fluids. If your child continues to vomit at home and is unable to keep anything down for more than 12 hours after the surgery please contact the consulting rooms or Mr Jensen immediately.

POST OPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

Your child will experience pain and discomfort following surgery. To help alleviate this pain, intravenous panadol will be administered at the commencement of the surgery. At the completion of the operation a local anaesthetic block will be used.

It is advisable that you give your child regular analgesia at home rather than wait until they are in obvious pain.

DISCHARGE INFORMATION

Upon discharge you will be given verbal and written post operative instructions, contact phone numbers and an appointment time. The practice nurse will contact you within 48 hours to check on the progress of your child and to offer any advice if needed.

As part of our quality improvement programme you may be asked to complete a confidential patient survey. We would appreciate your feedback and any suggestions by you to improve our service and patient care.