When Your Child Needs Emergency Surgery
Your child is having emergency surgery. In this situation, you might not have time to learn about your child’s surgery or to prepare your child. It’s important to keep your emotions under control. Hospital staff can help answer your questions. Read this sheet to know what to expect when your child needs emergency surgery.
What to expect before emergency surgery
Before your child’s surgery, the following may occur:
You’ll meet with the surgeon. He or she will explain why your child needs surgery and discuss any risks and complications. You’ll need to sign a consent form to give permission for your child to have surgery.
You’ll meet with the anesthesiologist. This is a doctor with training to give anesthesia. There are different types of anesthesia, but your child will likely receive general anesthesia. This medication causes your child to fall asleep and not feel pain during surgery. You may need to sign a separate consent form before your child can receive anesthesia.
During emergency surgery
The surgeon will perform the surgery.
The anesthesiologist will control the amount of anesthesia your child receives. A nurse anesthetist may assist him or her. This person also has training to give anesthesia. Special equipment is used to monitor your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. The anesthesia will be stopped once surgery is complete.
After emergency surgery
Your child may arrive in the recovery room with catheters or tubes that might have been placed during surgery. These may be in your child's nose, mouth, or bladder. These tubes are present to help your child's recovery. Your child's surgeon or nurse will tell you how long they need to stay in.
Your child will be given pain medication to stay comfortable. These may be delivered through an IV (intravenous) line.
The surgeon will tell you how long your child will need to stay in the hospital.
What you may be asked for at the hospital
While you are at the hospital you may be asked to provide the following information:
Identification documents for you and your child (such as a driver’s license or social security card)
Medical records for your child such as immunization records, previous lab test results, x-rays
List of medications your child is taking
List of any known allergies your child has to medications, food, or latex
Allergic reactions your child may have had in the past to any sedatives or anesthesia
Illnesses or surgical procedures that your child has had