Ask the Expert
Ask the Expert is a feature allowing our patients and visitors to ask questions of the experts at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital.
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Q: My four-year-old son is facing surgery and will stay in the hospital a few days, how can I prepare him?
A: "This is a great question that many parents ask, says Saad A. Saad, M.D., of K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. "The good news is that with elective or scheduled surgeries, you have time to mentally prepare your child for the procedure. But, you may want to prepare yourself, as well. Make sure you have all of the facts about the procedure, anesthesia, and hospital stay." Dr. Saad also recommends the following:
Talk to your child.
At any age, surgery can be frightening. Communicating with your child in advance, in terms that he or she will understand, will help calm fears and concerns. Try to answer any questions your child may have about anesthesia or the procedure, and explain why the surgery is necessary. Try to use language that won't make your child's fears worse. For instance, you could tell your son or daughter that a doctor will "fix" their medical problem with the surgery. And, perhaps most important, be honest with your child. Your child trusts you, and honesty is critical to ensuring their trust remains intact.
Introduce your child to the hospital.
If your child isn't already familiar with the hospital, it is important to bring him or her in to get acquainted to the floor where he will be staying. The Children's Hospital offers tours in advance of surgery to help our young patients get comfortable with the surroundings.
Remind your child that he or she won't be alone.
At least one parent will be allowed to stay with your child at all times except during the operation. After the surgery, you may return to your child in the recovery room. As your little one awakens, he or she will not even realize you left. Plus, one parent will be allowed to stay with your child overnight.
