Children and Surgery

I wonder if there is anyone who can tell me about their experience with their child and undergoing surgery?

Or DS has to under go surgery for an Inguinal Hernia (Any information relating specifically to that is most welcome) otherwise general information would be great. DS will be three and half.

What should we expect in the lead up to, during and after surgery for DS? Ive been told its a short, routine procedure but have yet to meet with the surgeon/doctor yet?

Also we will most likely have to travel for it (up to three hours away), any ideas/advice what to do there?

TIA!!

Sorry I don't have personal experience with a hernia like that. But, I've had my DD go through surgery for a abdominal wall defect called Gastroschisis (her story is the link in my signature, I wouldn't google-image it unless you're prepared for something really gory! lol).

It looked like she needed a hernia operation for a while but her stomach is fine. Her surgeon said it's a very simple operation with only a few stitches.
Good luck and I hope someone can help out with your questions.

xox

What hospital will you be going to? It might help because different hospitals probably have different procedures and some one may have been to the same hospital and can be more specific.
Do you know how long (roughly) he will be in hospital for? Obviously the experience for day surgery vs. a week long stay would be pretty different.

Our experiences leading up to an operation (not the same surgery as your DS is having):
- We had an appointment with the surgeon a few weeks before and got to ask questions more about the operations itself, then sign consent forms and stuff
- We had a pre-admission appointment about 4 days before the operation which was partially about them doing lots of tests (blood test, x-rays, echo-cardiogram, a general health check) but also for us to meet with the anaesthetist and some of the doctors in the department that was looking after her, to visit the PICU where she would be going afterwards and get the last details about admission times, fasting times, what would happen on the day etc.
- On the actual day we went to Day of Surgery Admission which was a room with lots of toys and people entertaining kids with games and stuff while they were waiting to go to the next stage. Both DH and I were allowed in this area and we had to go through a few details and forms and things. DD got into her gown here.
- Then we were called into the next area which only one person (me) was allowed into. Again some waiting and more details to check and forms to sign, then I got my gown and shoes and stuff to go into the theatre.
- Once we were called into theatre I carried DD in and sat with her while they gave her the gas which put her to sleep, then I had to leave, meet up with DH and wait until some one rang us. I was OK with watching her go to sleep, but some people find it a bit distressing (especially if they are talking one second and just collapsed the next second) so think about whether you want to do this step or some one else.

After the operation is the bit I imagine would be different for different operations depending on where they go, for how long, what pain medication they are having and what monitoring they have in etc. If you know some of these details I'm sure we could be of more help.

Hope it all goes well...x

What specifically would you like to know?

He'll have to fast including water, lollies etc.
Depending on the hospital policy, you may be allowed into the anesthetic room with him and to hold him when he goes off to sleep. It depends on the anesthetists as to which method they use. Some will put the drip in and use an IV medication to send them off. As putting an IV in can be distressing for some children, most will send them off to sleep with gas first. As Sagres said, this can be very distressing for some parents - especially as they (child) are often chatting away and then suddenly asleep. In some instances, the child will still reach out for Mum/Dad and usually twitch. I can assure you that from this point, they are not truly conscious and will have no recognition of what has happened. My DD had a procedure earlier in the year and was sent off with gas, she was still hanging on to me and when I pried her hand lose, she reached for me. As a nurse, I know she wasn't conscious at this point. As a mother, it made my tummy flip flop.

Depending on hospital policy, you may be allowed into recovery once the intubation tube is out and DS is stable. It is important to know that some children wake up distressed from an anesthetic. Almost like they're tantrumming. It doesn't mean something is wrong - just how they're responding to the drugs. It happens in adults as well, but moreso in children.

I always recommend sending something comforting from home for the child. Something like a teddy that they can take in to theatre with them and will be there when they wake up. It can be very scary for children going to sleep in a strange bed, then waking in an equally strange bed different to the one they went to sleep in!

He will have a cannula in. I explain it to children as a magic straw. I explained it to DD as a magic straw that the fairies blow magic potions into. DD is 4. Most hospitals bandage it on children to avoid it being ripped out. Some children still try and rip it out.

Pain medication. After this particular surgery, there will most likely be some pain or discomfort. But they're pretty good with kids and try to keep them comfortable. Let them know if he is sore and they will give him something. Don't panic if he can't articulate how he is feeling. Nurses use a different method of judging how much pain children are in. Also, children don't always recognise pain - they think it just feels different.

Take stuff to keep him occupied whilst he is waiting to go in. Fav books, toys etc.

Ask as many questions as you'd like. If there is something in particular that is bothering you - feel free to ask.

:hug:

MG

Sagres I dont know much at this point other than it has to be done and within 4-8 weeks. Our Dr here is doing the referral for me to pick up early next week. Chances are we are being referred to Westmead Children's. From what Ive read its usually only a day procedure but like I said we havent spoken to anyone else yet, only that it has to happen.

Thank you three for replying :) It helps to not feel so in the dark about it all atm. :)