Be sure to share your fears and concerns with your
child's physician. Have all of your questions answered before the day of
surgery.
You know your
teen best. At times your teen may seem to handle the details of surgery very
well. At other times he may seem overwhelmed.
Before Surgery:
1. Discuss
the reason for surgery.
2. Discuss the type of surgery and where on the
body it will be performed.
3. Review with your teen that they will not
be awake during the surgery and that the anesthesiologist will be with him
during the entire procedure.
4. Discuss the importance of not eating or
drinking the morning of the surgery.
5. Reassure your teen that you will
remain in the hospital during his surgery and see him when he returns from the
Recovery Room.
6. Suggest that your teen bring items from home to keep
him busy while waiting for surgery.
7. Encourage your teen to ask a lot
of questions and express how he is feeling.
Day of Surgery:
1. Your teen will meet medical staff
trained in pediatric/adolescent care.
2. Usually there is time to settle
in and relax before going to surgery. An activity room is available for the
patients.
3. A short time before surgery, your teen will be taken to the
surgical waiting area (holding room). Two adults may go with the patient at this
time.
4. You will meet with some of the operating room staff including
the anesthesiologist. Encourage your teen to ask any questions he may have at
this time.
5. Your teen will go with this team to the operating room. A
staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to
reassure your teen that you will remain in the hospital, waiting for them to
return from the Recovery Room.
6. Nursing staff will provide you and
your teen with information about post-operative care.
If you have any questions or would like more information on helping your teen
adjust to going to the hospital, please contact the Child Life Department at
(727) 767-4323. If you have questions regarding surgery time, please call
Pre Admission Testing at (727) 767-8561.
