Most people are anxious about surgery, no matter how minor it may be. The following information has been specially produced to help you prepare your child for surgery.
When your child is scheduled for the same day admission surgery, a pre-admission clinic appointment date will be given a few days before the date of surgery. This is arranged for your child’s benefit so as:
The Pre-admission Clinic is located in the Children’s Surgery Centre at Basement 1, Women’s Tower, and it provides the following services: ■ Pre-admission assessment The pre-admission assessment (blood or urine test and X-rays will be done if required) ensures that your child is fit for surgery. Since all pre-operative preparations are completed before the surgery, you save a day of admission before the surgery. ■ Information on the operation You will be counselled regarding anaesthesia procedures and post-operative care that your child will undergo. ■ Information on hospital charges Financial counselling will help you estimate the bill size and choose the appropriate inpatient class.
Give your child the prescribed pre-operative medication, if any. ■ Your child must not wear jewellery or nail varnish. ■ Your child MUST stop all solid food, including milk, for at least several hours before surgery. This is to prevent food from entering into the lungs during anaesthesia. ■ You will be informed in advance the estimated time of surgery and given fasting instructions. If you fail to comply with the instructions, the surgery may be cancelled for the child’s safety. ■ If your child has fever, flu or cough 2 weeks before the surgery, call us to the postpone the surgery because the risk of general anaesthesia is higher when the child is sick.
It is important to let your child know that he/she will be going to the hospital for a surgery. Children who are lied to beforehand become angry and traumatised when they are in the operating room.
You can help your child prepare for the surgery by explaining to him/her the reason for the surgery and what to expect. We suggest watching the hospital pre-operative video with your child. ■ Younger children under the age of 5, should be told 2-3 days before the surgery and on the day of the surgery ■ Children aged 5-10 years can be told about the surgery one week before. This will allow the child to ask questions.
Essential items:
Suggested items:
■ Go to the Day Surgery Center ( Basement 1) , proceed to any available counter and the patient service assistant will register your admission. ■ After registration, your child will be called into a consultation room to prepare him/her for surgery. If his/her surgery is scheduled much later than the arrival time, your child will be sent to the ward first. ■ A local anaesthetic cream will be applied to numb the skin. This is to facilitate intravenous drip (I/V plug) setting for the anaesthesia. ■ One parent is allowed to accompany the child into the operating room until he/she goes to sleep. After the child is asleep, you will be escorted to the waiting area outside the operating room. ■ After the surgery, as soon as the child awakes, one parent may be allowed to be by the child’s side in the recovery room.
■ Your child may be sleepy, confused or fretful when he/she awakes. ■ Sometimes, your child may vomit and occasionally he/she may complain of pain. The doctor could give medication to treat this. ■ Your child will have an I/V plug that will remain in his/her hand or foot. ■ Occasionally, depending on the type of surgery the child may have tubes attached to the body. ■ Your surgeon will explain to you when your child will be allowed to eat and when the tubes will be removed.
Your child will be sent to the ward once he/she is stable. In the ward, your child will be assessed and monitored by the ward doctors and nurses. Your surgeon and ward team doctors will keep you updated on your child’s condition daily.
You will be given the medical certificate in your child’s name as well as advice on restriction of physical activity and wound care. You should receive a follow-up appointment to see your surgeon at the Children’s Surgery Centre.
To change or reschedule the date of surgery and Pre- Admission Clinic appointment, please call 63942115 / 8036. For queries on medical problems after hospital discharge, please call the nurses at the Children’s Surgery Center at 6394 8036 / 8037.
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