Children are special people with unique needs. At Nebraska Medicine, we hope to make your child’s visit as pleasant as possible. If you would like to have a free consultation with a Child Life Specialist, please inform your physician and mention it during the pre-registration process.
Things you should know before your child's surgery
- No food or drink: Children must not eat or drink anything 6 to 8 hours before surgery. Double-check the specific instructions from the surgeon’s office.
- Comfort items: Children may bring a special toy, blanket, pacifier or something warm and fuzzy. It may accompany them into surgery and will be returned afterward. Please make sure it is clean.
- Parent presence: Parents should plan to stay with their child in the pre-op area. Please do not bring other children.
- After surgery: Your child may be irritable or fussy after surgery. If you are going home the same day, bring another adult to assist you on the drive home.
- Managing fears: Children sense and mimic your fears. Please contact a Child Life Specialist at 402.559.6775 if we can help you with questions or concerns.
- Be assured that your child’s comfort and care is our top priority. We will care for your child in a relaxed and safe environment.
- You play a huge role in preparing your child for surgery as you know them best. Children can sense when you are stressed or anxious, so learning about the procedure will help you explain it to your child.
- Take care of yourself and get a good night’s sleep the night before surgery. During surgery, get up and stretch, go get a cup of coffee or take a short walk outside. The better you feel, the better you will be able to care for your child.
- Experts recommend discussing surgery according to your child’s age. The general rule of thumb is to start talking about surgery one day before the procedure for each year of life. For example, begin discussions four days before surgery if the child is 4 years old.
- Be honest and tell your child they are going to the hospital. Use simple words to describe what will happen and describe the sequence of events without too much detail.
- Use only nonthreatening words such as “The doctor will help you sleep,” or “The doctor will make a small opening.” Do not use words like “sticking,” “put to sleep,” “hurt,” “cutting,” or pain.”
- Make the conversation open-ended so they feel able to express fears or questions.
- Reassure your child that they are not alone and that you will be there when they wake up.
Tips by age
Find a quiet time to talk and use simple words without too much detail. They can be very curious and creative, so you can use that imagination to explain what it’s like to breathe through a special space mask. Make sure they know they did nothing wrong to cause surgery, and that it is no one’s fault but the right thing to do.
At this age, children are often concerned about what surgery may do to alter their appearance. They require more details of events before, during and after. Be honest. Let them express their fears. The biggest issues can involve pain, staying asleep during surgery and waking up afterward. Stay supportive and positive, while keeping the same routine as much as possible. Encourage your child to ask questions and repeat what they heard.
Teenagers need to be included in discussions and choices about surgery. They want to be independent and make their own choices about their care. The more control they can have, the more cooperative they will be. Teens are very concerned with surgery altering their appearance. Be honest, supportive and discuss any fears they have. Privacy is a must for this age, which should be respected as much as possible. Bringing an iPod or handheld game system to play while waiting may help reduce anxiety before and after surgery.
Going home after surgery (same day)
Your child may be irritable or fussy after surgery. If you are going home the day of surgery, we encourage you to bring another adult to assist you on the drive home.
Remember, children pick up on and mimic your fears. Please contact a Child Life Specialist at 402.559.6775.
To pre-register, see our pre-registration page.
Other resources available to families whose children are undergoing surgery at Nebraska Medicine.
Being at the hospital, surrounded by new people and away from home can be stressful for children and their families. Child Life Specialists at Nebraska Medicine help families understand the health care environment through medical play, reduce stress with pet therapy and promote growth and expression through art. If you would like to have a Child Life consultation, please mention this during your pre-surgical screening or call 402.559.6775.
American Academy of Otolaryngology (info on various health needs)
American Academy of Pediatrics (info on children’s health topics)