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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
about Pediatric Anesthesia
What if my child is ill prior to surgery?
How can I prepare my child for surgery?
Where will my child's surgery take place?
When
should we arrive for scheduled surgery?
How much time can I spend with my child before
and after surgery?
How will I care for my child at home?
What can be done to
minimize my child's anxiety?
What is EMLA?
What is "day
surgery?"
Day surgery -- also known as "outpatient" surgery -- allows
your child to recover at home, in the company of family and friends,
and eliminates the expense of an overnight hospital stay.
What
if my child is ill prior to surgery?
Please contact your surgeon immediately if your child develops a cough,
fever or chest cold, or has an asthma attack within three days of scheduled
surgery. Also, please notify your surgeon if you believe your child
has been exposed to measles, mumps, or chicken pox in the 21 days before
surgery. Your child's surgery may be rescheduled so that other children
are not at risk of catching these diseases.
How
can I prepare my child for surgery?
South Shore Hospital offers a 60-minute orientation program for children
ages 3 to 12 who are anticipating surgery. The session features:
- Slide presentation, where children are familiarized with what will happen before, during and after their surgery. The upbeat presentation describes one young child's surgical visit and how South Shore Hospital's physicians and nurses did everything possible to make it a positive experience.
- Tour of the Day Surgery Center, where children can see exactly what an operating room looks like, be introduced to surgical equipment, and see the recovery area. Children will have the opportunity to play with equipment and also ask questions concerning their surgery.
The preoperative orientation program is offered Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Day Surgery Center at South Shore Hospital.
Special times may be arranged by appointment. Call (781) 340-8960 to register for the program.
Where
will my child's surgery take place?
Day surgery is performed in two locations: in the hospital's main building
at 55 Fogg Road and in the Outpatient Services Center at 780 Main Street
(Route 18).
Please call your surgeon's office to determine where your child's procedure is scheduled.
When
should we arrive for scheduled surgery?
Please arrive one hour prior to your child's surgery and be sure to
accurately follow the preoperative diet
guidelines.
How
much time can I spend with my child before and after surgery?
You may be with your child at all times prior to surgery. One parent
may accompany your child during the administration of anesthesia.
During surgery, you'll be asked to remain in the adjacent waiting area. As soon as your surgeon indicates, you may join your child in the recovery room and remain there until it is time to go home.
How
will I care for my child at home?
Most day surgery requires very little physical care at home, other than
occasional dressing changes. If you have any questions, call (781) 340-8960.
What is an intravenous?
An intravenous or IV is a catheter that is introduced into a vein for
the purpose of administering fluid, anesthetic medications, and other
medications.
What
can be done to minimize my child’s anxiety?
The “preparing for surgery”
program offered by South Shore Hospital is an excellent starting
point. Other options include accompanying the child into the operating
room, EMLA cream, and oral medications designed to reduce anxiety.
What
is EMLA?
EMLA cream is a topical local anesthetic, which is applied to the skin
on arrival to the hospital. EMLA further minimizes pain by numbing one
or more areas where an IV might be placed. It is most often used in
children undergoing an intravenous (IV) induction of general anesthesia.