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Although your toddler will not fully understand about all the reasons for the operation, he/she can certainly benefit for preoperative planning, education and information. Because time is different to toddlers, they need to be prepared only one or two days before the operation. Recognizing what is stressful to your toddler while in the hospital can guide you in preparing him/her for the surgical experience.
Common stressors and fears may include the following:
• Being left alone
• Having to stay in a strange bed or room
• Separations from caregivers.
• Strangers in white coats or medical clothes.
• Painful procedures
• Medical equipment that looks and sounds scary Helping your toddler get ready:
Learn as much as you can about your child's surgery. Children can tell when their parents are worried. The more you know, the better you will feel and the more you can help explain things to your child. It is very important to be honest with your child about where your child is going the day of surgery. Many parents worry about upsetting their child by being truthful. However, keep in mind that your child will also be upset once they discover what is going on. It is best to be honest so your child learns to trust you. • Use simple language to explain that the doctors have decided that a part of the body needs to be fixed. • Talk to your child what they will see, hear, smell and feel while at the hospital. You can get this information from your child's doctor, nurse or child life specialist. • Use a doll or stuffed animal to show your child which part of the body will be fixed. This is better than just telling him/her what will happen. If your child will have a bandage or special equipment (such as an IV) when they wake up, put that on the doll, if possible. • Tell your child that he/she will not have any breakfast the day you go to the hospital. Expect your child to be upset or frustrated when he/she wants to drink or eat and cannot. Keep drinks and food out of sight and distract with toys. • Stay with your child during the hospitalization. Your touch and voice will comfort him/her more than anything else. Let the nurses know about your child’s usual schedule and his/her likes and dislikes. • Be patient with your child. It is normal for toddlers to cry and be fussy at this stressful time. Your child may be very clingy and become hard to comfort. It is not unusual for your child to have temper tantrums or regress, temporarily losing newly learned skills (like toilet training). • Encourage your child to bring a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or other security item from home. This can accompany your child to surgery. • Play with toy doctor sets and read stories about the hospital. Listen or watch for any misunderstandings or concerns your child might have. Make this a fun time for you and your child. • Remember, too, to take care of yourself. Simplify your life during this time and do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Remaining positive and calm can help reduce your toddler's anxiety. Day of Surgery What should I expect the day of surgery?
It is extremely important that you have followed all of the instructions that were given to you by your child's surgeon during the preoperative visit. The day before surgery, someone will call you from the hospital to tell you the exact time to bring your child to the hospital. You will be instructed where to go and when to stop giving your child food and drink. It is very important to follow these rules. Arriving at the wrong time or allowing your child to eat and drink after the prescribed times can cause delays in your child's surgery, or perhaps even postpone or cancel it. It is recommended that you make arrangements for other siblings to be cared for at home. Your attention needs to be focused on your child having surgery. Before coming to the hospital, remove any jewelry (i.e., watches, necklaces, or earrings) that your child wears and leave them at home so they are not misplaced. Also, have your child remove nail polish so that the color of the nail beds can be observed during surgery and afterwards. When at the hospital, you may expect the following to occur:
• Before surgery, you and your child will be taken to the surgical holding room. • Your child will change into hospital pajamas and the nursing staff will get your child ready for the operation. • Your child will be given an identification bracelet to wear and the nurse will check your child’s temperature, blood pressure and oxygen level. None of this should be uncomfortable for your child. • You and your child will meet with several people from the surgical team. This includes the anesthesiologists and operating room nurses. They will ask you many of the same questions about allergies, medications and your child’s medical history. They will also tell you more information about the operating room procedures. • Waiting for surgery can be a stressful time for your child. There are a variety of toys and activities for all age children and teens to use. Playing with toys, reading a story with you, watching a movie or playing a video game are all good ways to help your child relax and re-focus. • Most often, children are given relaxing medicine to drink (or through an IV for older children) before they go to the operating room. This helps your child to calmly separate from you. • Before your child leaves for the operating room, reassure your child that you will be waiting close by. If you brought your child’s favorite stuffed animal or comfort item from home, this can go with your child to the operating room. Members of the anesthesia team will take your child to the operating room. The nurse will show you where to wait while your child is in surgery. • When the surgery is over, the surgeon will speak with you and let you know how the operation went. After surgery:
After the operation your child will be taken to the recovery room (called the PACU or Post Anesthesia Care Unit). Once your child is settled in the recovery room you will be able to join him/her there. Your child will stay here while the anesthesia wears off. Your child’s vital signs will be monitored and your child may be connected to several machines, including an IV (intravenous) pump. Ask the nurse about any equipment you do not understand. Depending on the type of surgery, your child may be sent home or will go t • The children’s unit to recover for 24 hours or less
• The children’s unit to recover for several days
• An intensive care unit to recover, then to the regular children’s unit until time for discharge. Helpful books for you and your child:
Fred Rogers. 1988. Going to the Hospital. G. P. Putnam and Sons.
Deborah Hautzig. 1985. A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital. Random House/Children's Television Workshop. | 
