Questions to Ask Before Your Child’s Surgery

 

 

Inform Yourself

Before you can prepare your child for surgery, you must prepare yourself. Here are some questions to ask the physician managing your child’s care. Be sure to take notes on the answers or bring another person with you to listen if you don’t think you will remember all the information.

• Can you walk me through the procedure?
• How long will the surgery take?
• How long can I be with my child before surgery?
• Can I be with my child during the surgery?
• Can I be with my child when the anesthesia is administered?
• Will my child be sedated before the anesthesia is given?
• How will the anesthesia be administered?
• Who will administer my child's anesthesia?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• What are the risks associated with this type of anesthesia?
• How often are there complications with this type of anesthesia?
• Does my child have any special risks?
• Will my child have a visible scar?
• When and where can I see my child after surgery?
• How long will it take my child to wake up from general anesthesia or regain feeling in the area that local or regional anesthesia was used?
• Will my child feel pain or discomfort after surgery?
• What can be done about any pain or discomfort my child may feel?
• How soon after the surgery can my child come home?