Manual of pediatric procedures

by Verena del Valle

Manual of pediatric procedures

by Verena del Valle

Disclaimer: Each hospital may have its own guidelines regarding pre-operative measures to be taken. The ones listed here have been reviewed by doctors and psychologists. However, the measures provided by the hospital should always be followed before those listed below to ensure maximum safety. Please use this guide as a supplement and consult with your physician before making any decisions that conflict with the above.

In this capsule we will go over all the points to keep in mind on the day of your child’s surgery, such as any doubts you may have or the preparations of the day before. If you want to know more about the importance of fasting on the day of the operation or about how general anesthesia works, take a look at the capsule Introduction to anesthesia by Dr. Ródenas and Dr. Jiménez.

Here’s a summary of the key points not to forget:

Since general anesthesia reduces some of our body’s natural reflexes, it is essential that the child is fasting before the operation. This will avoid serious problems, such as stomach contents accidentally reaching the lungs during the time the child is under the anesthesia.  Therefore, it is important that your child is FASTING:

  • Your child will not eat solid foods 6 hours prior to the procedure (cow’s milk, formula, cereal, chewing gum and candy also fall into this category of solid foods). In addition, the last meal eaten the night before should be light.
  • If you are breastfeeding your child, you may breastfeed up to 4 hours before the procedure. Non-carbonated water may be taken up to 2 hours before, but no more than two glasses.
  • If your child is taking medication, he/she should keep taking the medicine up until 2 hours before the operation, unless your doctor tells otherwise.

There are also other general rules you should follow to ensure that the hospital experience goes smoothly:

  • Make sure your child comes to the hospital bathed/showered (no moisturizing creams or oils).
  • No makeup, nail polish or jewelry (no piercings).
  • Remember that if the child has a tooth is moving you must inform the anesthesiologist without fail.
  • Prepare a backpack with a change of clothes and a diaper if necessary. Think about bringing some toys to keep him/her occupied during the waiting time.
  • In normal situations, a maximum of two adults could accompany your child to the operating room, but due to the covid situation, it is best to always consult beforehand.

In the postoperative period: your child will be under observation for a while until the anesthesiologist indicates discharge to the ward or home. In that case, you must ensure that:

  • The child will have to start the diet progressively. After surgery, the child’s body needs to recover, so it is important that he/she eats quality food. You should avoid giving processed foods, such as snacks and sweets. You should also avoid red meat or dairy products. Instead, try eating whole-grain bread, fruits and vegetables and fiber-rich cereals.
  • When returning home, it is advisable to do it by car (or cab) for everyone’s comfort and especially that of the child.