WHAT TO EXPECT DAY OF SURGERY

Anesthesia - Frequently Asked Questions - Parents

1. What is anesthesia?

During surgery or procedures, children receive medication(s) called anesthesia. This prevents them from feeling pain or moving about. There are two main types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia places children in a controlled state of unconsciousness. This is often referred to as ‘being asleep.’
• Regional or local anesthesia is used to numb the area of the body that is being operated on. This is often called ‘freezing’.

Most children will receive general anesthesia. They may also receive regional anesthesia to help manage pain.

2. Who is the anesthesiologist?

An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has had many years of specialized training. These doctors are experts in caring for children who require anesthesia and managing pain. This doctor will give your child the anesthesia and monitor him or her closely during surgery. You will meet your child’s anesthesiologist on the day of surgery. We encourage you to ask questions or express any concerns at this time.

3. How is the anesthesia given to my child?

General anesthesia can be given in two ways:

• One way is to give this medicine by intravenous (IV). With an IV, a small needle is used to place a tiny plastic straw into a vein, often in the hand. Your child will fall asleep quickly after the medicine is given.
• The medicine can also be breathed in through a mask. The medicine often has a funny smell, so drops that smell like candy or fruit are placed on the mask. As your child breathes the medicine in, he or she will get very sleepy. It doesn’t hurt. Most children will still receive an IV after they are asleep, as part of their care.

Regional anesthesia is injected either around the incision area or near the nerves that supply the body area being operated on. This is usually given after the child is asleep.

The anesthesiologist will decide the best and safest approach for your child, based on his or her age, medical history, and type of surgery. As well, a breathing device is often used to help maintain proper breathing during surgery.

4. What type of problems or side effects can my child have from the anesthesia?

Fortunately, the chance of having any serious problems is very low. The problems we most often see are minor. For most children, these effects do not usually last longer than 24 hours. Children may:

• feel sick to their stomach or throw up
• be cranky or confused while waking up
• have a sore throat
• feel sleepy and may nap off and on
• feel dizzy
• be unsteady on their feet or uncoordinated

Less common problems include:

• wheezing (noisy breathing)
• injuries to the mouth or teeth
• a hoarse voice or barky cough

Children who are given regional anesthesia to numb their lower body will not be able to feel or move their legs for a few hours after surgery.

Teens should not drive. Children should avoid play that requires good coordination (climbing, running, bicycle riding) for 24 hours.

The chance of your child having any problems with anesthesia depends on your child’s age, overall health, and the type of surgery. The doctor will speak with you about the anesthesia and any possible problems.

5. What happens if my child gets sick before surgery?

If your child is sick, the surgery may be cancelled until your child is feeling better. The anesthesiologist will decide whether your child is well enough to receive anesthesia, based on his or her general health and the type of surgery.

6. Why can’t my child eat or drink before having surgery?

Your child cannot eat or drink before surgery because his or her stomach needs to be empty. When anesthesia is given, the muscles that normally prevent stomach contents from going into our lungs or airways are affected. Thus, if there is anything in the stomach, it could go into the lungs or airways. If this happens, your child can become quite sick, it can even be life threatening. You will be told what time your child should stop eating or drinking. It is important to follow these times so that your child’s surgery isn’t delayed or cancelled.

7. What if my child is nervous before surgery?

It is normal to be nervous before surgery. Studies show that preparing children is the best way to help them cope. To learn more about what your child may be concerned about, go to Telling Your Child. If your child is very nervous on the day of surgery, tell your nurse. Children can be given medicine to help them relax.

8. Can I be with my child while he or she falls asleep?

The team of doctors and nurses caring for your child considers many factors when making this decision. The most important factor is your child’s safety. The anesthesiologist will answer any questions you may have about this.

9. Will my child wake up during the surgery?

Waking up during surgery (awareness) is very rare. The anesthesiologist monitors your child closely during surgery, giving your child the amount of medicine he or she needs to remain asleep.

10. Can I be there when my child wakes up in the recovery room?

Parents are usually not in the recovery room when their child wakes up. Our goal is to have your child back with you as soon as possible. We often find that once children are awake and missing their parents, they are ready to return to the unit.

 

For Parents

Pediatric Anesthesia Society – FAQ’s Parents & Families

Canadian Anesthesia Society

For Teens

Types of Anesthesia

Anesthesia Basics

Anesthesia – What to Expect