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Chest X-ray (Chest Radiography, CXR) Procedure Overview What is a chest x-ray? A chest x-ray is a type of diagnostic radiology procedure used to examine the chest and the organs and structures located in the chest. Chest x-rays may be used to assess the lungs, as well as the heart (either directly or indirectly) by looking at the heart itself. Certain conditions of the heart may cause changes in the lungs and/or the vessels of the lungs. Changes in the normal structure of the heart, lungs, and/or lung v...

Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal, Open Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) Procedure Overview What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, an organ located just under the liver on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a substance produced by the liver and used to break down fat for digestion. Types of cholecystectomies: Click Image to Enlarge The gallbladder may be removed in one of two ways: open...

Appendectomy (Appendix Removal, Laparoscopic Appendectomy, Open Appendectomy) Procedure Overview What is an appendectomy? An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube about six inches long or less that branches off the large intestine. The procedure is performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. Acute appendicitis is the most common condition of the abdomen to require emergency surgery. Because of the likelihood of the appendix rupturing and c...

Blood Transfusions in Children Why are blood transfusions performed? There are several different components of the blood that can be transfused. Red blood cells are the most common type of transfusion. If your child's physician has decided your child might need a transfusion of blood, or blood products, he/she will explain the reasons for the transfusion. There are several reasons why your child may require a blood transfusion, including the following: an anticipated loss of blood during the surgery a l...

Discharge from the Hospital When will my child be discharged? If your child is having minor surgery, he/she may be discharged home a few hours after the procedure. Your child's healthcare team will make sure that he/she is fully awake, that vital signs (i.e., heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure) are normal, and that he/she can take some liquids by mouth without vomiting. Even after minor surgery, some children will remain in the hospital overnight for observation, and to receive ...

Discomforts and Complications After Surgery What are some common postoperative discomforts? The amount of discomfort following surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. Some typical discomforts include, but are not limited to, the following: nausea and vomiting (from general anesthesia) soreness in the throat (if the patient needs artificial ventilation; caused by a tube placed in the windpipe to assist breathing during surgery) soreness and swelling around the incision site restlessness and sle...

Glossary - The Child Having Surgery | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] abdominoscopy - a type of surgery using a laparoscope, which is inserted into one or more small incisions, to examine the abdominal cavity. (See also endoscopy, laparoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery.) acute appendicitis - acute inflammation of the appendix due to infection. advance directives -...

Topic Index Surgical Overview Preoperative Management Preparing a Child for Surgery Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant The Day of Surgery Intraoperative Care Postoperative Care Glossary Surgery, as defined by the American Medical Association, is the treatment of disease, injury, or other disorders by direct physical intervention, usually with instruments. Surgery involves the cutting into the skin or other organ to accomplish restoring the body to a healthful state. This may include further exploratio...

Hospital Visit / Preoperative Clinic Can my child visit the hospital before surgery? You may request for you and your child to visit and tour the facility prior to surgery. Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events he/she will experience the day of surgery. It is a non-threatening, often reassuring, way to learn about the hospital. If you have questions about how to address your child's particular needs in preparing for surgery, ask if a child life specia...

Informed Consent What is an informed consent form? Prior to surgery, your child's physician will give you a careful explanation of what procedure will be performed and the risks involved. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form which states in detail that you understand the risks and benefits of your child's surgery. Who may sign the informed consent? One or both parents usually sign for a minor child. However, if the child is living with a legal guardian, the physician will ask the legal gua...

Intensive Care What is intensive care following surgery? Children who require close or specialized monitoring after surgery will spend time in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), depending on their age. Intensive care is needed for children who have had certain types of major surgery such as heart operations, organ transplants, or neurosurgery. After some surgeries, the patient may remain on a breathing machine and have special monitoring lines that measure p...

Intraoperative Care for Children Intraoperative care lasts from the time your child enters the operating room to when the surgery is complete and your child goes to the recovery room. During most of this time, your child will be asleep. Becoming knowledgeable about the anesthesia process, what the operating room looks like, and who will be present with your child in the operating room, can alleviate some of your fears. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding intraoperative...

Latex Allergy in Children What is a latex allergy? Natural rubber latex, a milky fluid found in rubber trees, has a contaminating protein in the rubber that causes allergic reactions, not with the rubber itself. Different types of gloves, condoms, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, and toys are made from natural rubber latex. Children have developed an allergy or sensitivity to latex. Reactions can be seen when products made from latex come in contact with the child's skin, mucous membranes in the mouth, ...

Methods of Surgery for Children What are the different methods of surgery? With technical advances today, surgery does not necessarily mean large incisions, as in the past. Depending on the type of surgery, there are several surgical methods that may be performed, including the following: open surgery An open surgery means cutting skin and tissues so the surgeon has a direct access to the structures or organs involved. Examples of open surgery include the removal of organs, such as the gallbladder or ki...

Online Resources - The Child Having Surgery This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page co...

Pain Control Will my child be in pain after surgery? After surgery, there may be physical causes of pain, but the sensation of pain also depends on complex mental and emotional factors. Determining the level of pain that your child has can be very challenging. The surgical team may use a scale of 0 to 10 or illustrations of faces to help your child describe pain. The physicians caring for your child can determine what is usual discomfort for a certain operation and give the prescribed medication; howeve...

Play Therapy What is play therapy? Play therapy is used to help meet the emotional needs of children who have an illness or surgery that requires hospitalization. Being in the hospital is stressful for children and their families. Sometimes, children feel scared, confused, and out of control. Play therapy is used to help children understand and cope with illness, surgery, hospitalization, treatments, and procedures. What is the goal of play therapy? The goal of play therapy is to provide a family-center...

Postoperative Care Postoperative care lasts from the time your child enters the recovery room until discharge from the hospital. The length of this phase depends on the type of surgery and your child's medical condition. Most children with minor surgical procedures may be discharged the same day of the procedure. Major surgeries will require longer recovery times and, perhaps, a stay in intensive care. During this time, it will be helpful to become familiar with the normal discomforts that your child ma...

Preoperative Management for Children Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding preoperative management for your child having surgery, for which we have provided a brief overview. Preoperative Visit with the Surgeon Hospital Visit / Preoperative Clinic Blood Transfusions Latex Allergy Informed Consent

Preoperative Visit with the Surgeon Caring for your child when surgery is not planned: If your child requires emergency surgery, there is limited time to prepare yourself and your child. The news can be a total surprise and the urgent nature of the procedure can be very frightening. The most important thing parents can do is to remain calm, reassure their child, and ask as many questions as necessary to understand the situation. Preparing for the preoperative visit: For elective or required surgeries, i...

Preparing a Child for Surgery Being in the hospital can be upsetting for your child, as well as for the whole family. Recognizing the common fears that your child has at each stage of growth and development can help you in preparing him/her for the experience ahead. Some of the ways to prepare include the following: Become as knowledgeable as possible about the surgery planned for your child. Be truthful with any information. Answer your child's questions truthfully, according to his/her age and develop...

Preparing Siblings for Surgery Preparing siblings when a brother/sister is having surgery: When your child goes to the hospital, brothers and sisters may feel afraid, worried, or confused. They are often afraid simply because they do not know what to expect, and may imagine the worst. They will also have to deal with being away from one or both parents, missing their brother or sister, or having to stay with other family or friends. The following are some of the common feelings siblings may have during ...

Preparing the Infant for Surgery What part about surgery is most stressful for an infant? Infants are too young to benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. However, recognizing what is stressful to infants can guide you in planning for your baby's surgery. Things that are stressful to infants in the hospital may include the following: separation from parents having many different caregivers seeing strange sights, sounds, and smells new and different routines interrupted sleep day...

Preparing the Preschooler for Surgery What part about surgery is most stressful for a preschool child? Preschool-aged children can certainly benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. This preparation should take place several days before the procedure, to give your preschool child an adequate amount of time to prepare. Recognizing what is stressful to your preschool child while in the hospital can guide you in preparing him/her for the surgical experience. Common stressors and fea...

Preparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery What part about surgery is most stressful for a school-aged child? School-aged children can benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. This preparation should take place a week or two before surgery since preparation too far in advance can produce more anxiety. Recognizing what is stressful to your school-aged child while in the hospital can guide you in preparing him/her for the surgical experience. Common stressors and fears in the hosp...

Preparing the Teenager for Surgery What part about surgery is most stressful for a teenager? Adolescents like to be active participants in deciding what happens to them, including the kind of care they receive. Parents need to act as partners with their teens in making healthcare decisions. Recognizing the fears that teenagers commonly have when going to a hospital will help you in your preparations. Common fears and concerns may include the following: loss of control being away from school and friends ...

Preparing the Toddler for Surgery What part about surgery is most stressful for a toddler? Toddlers can certainly benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. This preparation should take place a day or two before surgery since preparation too far in advance can produce more anxiety. 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 in the hospital may include the following: b...

Recovery Room / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Where will my child recover from surgery? Once surgery has been completed, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (also called PACU). In the recovery room, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals will closely monitor your child as he/she "awakens" from anesthesia. The length of time spent in recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, your child's response to surgery and ...

Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant Will my baby be able to continue breastfeeding following surgery? When a baby is having surgery, it can be a frightening experience for the parents and the child. However, the closeness and security derived from breastfeeding can be very calming and comforting. Usually when a baby is scheduled for surgery, breastfeeding will have to be delayed for a period of time prior to, during, and after surgery. This is true for either a minor procedure, in which your baby will ...

Surgical Overview When preparing your child for surgery, there is a great deal to consider prior to the procedure. Listed in the directory below is some additional information regarding preparing your child, for which we have provided a brief overview. Types of Surgery Methods of Surgery The Hospital Setting

The 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. 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 focuse...

The Hospital Setting Where will my child have surgery? Your child most likely has been referred by your pediatrician to a pediatric surgeon, or other specialist that has special training to care for infants, children, and adolescents. Surgery may be performed at a physician's office, a clinic, an outpatient surgery center, or the hospital, depending on the following: the reason for surgery whether the surgery is considered major or minor whether or not the surgery is an emergency your physician's prefer...

The Operating Room What is the operating room like? The operating room can be a intimidating place, with unfamiliar equipment and people dressed in strange outfits. If your child visits the hospital prior to surgery, some of the equipment may be shown to him/her by a child life specialist. A child life specialist is a person that is specially trained in the growth and developmental needs of children. One thing your child will need to know is that people in the operating room will be wearing surgical clo...

The Surgical Team for Children When a child undergoes surgery, a team of medical staff assists the surgeon in the procedure. The number of team members differs depending on the type of surgery performed. Most teams include the following: surgeon A surgeon has completed four years of medical school, an internship, and a residency with specialized training after medical school. Most surgeons have passed examinations given by a national board of surgeons for "board certification." In addition, some surgeon...

Topic Index - The Child Having Surgery The Child Having Surgery Home Surgical Overview Types of Surgery Methods of Surgery The Hospital Setting Preoperative Management Preoperative Visit with the Surgeon Hospital Visit / Preoperative Clinic Blood Transfusions Latex Allergy Informed Consent Preparing a Child for Surgery Preparing the Infant for Surgery Preparing the Toddler for Surgery Preparing the Preschooler for Surgery Preparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery Preparing the Teenager for Surgery Pre...

Types of Anesthesia What is anesthesia? During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia - medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is administered by the anesthesiologist. When your child is scheduled for surgery, you and your child will meet with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist before the procedure. The anesthesiologist will review your child's medical condition and history to plan the appropriate anestheti...

Types of Surgery for Children What is surgical diagnosis? You and your child's physician will discuss surgery as a way to correct your child's health problem. This decision will be based on careful evaluation of your child's medical history and medical tests, such as blood tests, x-rays, MRI, CT scan, electrocardiogram, or other laboratory work performed to determine the exact diagnosis. What are the different types of surgery? Surgery can be classified as major or minor, depending on the seriousness of...

After Surgery: Discomforts and Complications What are some common postoperative discomforts? The amount of discomfort following surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. Some typical discomforts include: nausea and vomiting from general anesthesia soreness in the throat if the patient needs artificial ventilation (the soreness is caused by the tube placed in the windpipe for breathing during surgery) soreness and swelling around the incision site restlessness and sleeplessness thirst constipatio...

Checklist for Surgery / Consent Forms / Insurance Information Checklist for surgery: The decision to have surgery is a very important one. You will need to be fully informed and prepared for the surgery, as well as for any special needs that you may have following the surgery. Your preparation will affect the outcome and the results. The following is a checklist to assist you in your preparation for surgery: Make a list of questions to ask your physician/surgeon regarding the type of surgery recommended...

Common Surgical Procedures Common surgical procedures: According to the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons, some of the most common surgical operations performed in the United States include the following: appendectomy An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine, to treat acute appendicitis. Appendicitis is the acute inflammation of this tube due to infection. breast biopsy A biopsy is a diagnostic test involv...

Discharge Planning Discharge planning after surgery: Once you meet the discharge criteria specified for your type of surgery, you will be released to go home or be transferred to a room. Hospitals usually require that the patient is transported home by a friend or family member, as coordination and reflexes may be impaired for 24 hours following anesthesia. Your discharge plan may include instructions on how to take care of the wound dressings, what medications to take, what exercises to do, and other h...

Glossary - Surgical Care A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A [return to top] abdominal hysterectomy - the uterus is removed through the abdomen via a surgical incision. abdominoscopy - a type of surgery using a laparoscope, which is inserted into one or more small incisions, to examine the abdominal cavity. (See also endoscopy, laparoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery.) acute appendicitis - acute inflammation of the appendix due to infe...

Topic Index Surgery Statistics Surgery Overview Questions To Ask Before Surgery Preoperative Management Intraoperative Care Postoperative Management Glossary Surgery, as defined by the American Medical Association, is the treatment of disease, injury, or other disorders by direct physical intervention, usually with instruments. Surgery involves the cutting into the skin or other organ to accomplish restoring the body to a healthful state. This may include further exploration of the condition for the pur...

Intraoperative Care During your procedure, special care is taken by all members of the surgical team to ensure that no complications arise. Below are some of the considerations that need to be made immediately prior to or during your procedure. The Day of Surgery / Getting Ready For Surgery / The Operating Room Methods of Surgery Other Techniques of Surgery Common Surgical Procedures Outpatient Surgery

Methods of Surgery What are the different methods of surgery? With technical advances today, surgery does not necessarily mean large incisions, as in the past. Depending on the type of surgery, there are several surgery methods that may be performed: open surgery - an "open" surgery means the cutting of skin and tissues so that the surgeon has a full view of the structures or organs involved. Examples of open surgery are the removal of the organs, such as the gallbladder or kidneys. minimally invasive s...

Online Resources - Surgical Care This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to other World...

Other Techniques of Surgery Other techniques of surgery: In addition to using traditional surgical knives in surgery, both open and minimally invasive surgery can use the following alternative techniques, depending on diagnosis: laser surgery A laser is a device that emits a concentrated beam of light radiation. A laser beam can cauterize a wound, repair damaged tissue, or destroy cells under the beam, allowing for cutting through tissue without damaging neighboring cells. Laser has been used in place o...

Outpatient Surgery What is outpatient surgery? With improved technology and advances in anesthesia and pain control, many less invasive surgical procedures are now being performed on an outpatient, or ambulatory, basis. Common procedures that are now routinely performed on an outpatient basis include tonsillectomies, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, some cosmetic surgeries, and cataract surgeries. Given the millions of procedures performed every year, complications from outpatient procedures are re...

Pain Management Pain control after surgery: Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. It is normal to expect a certain amount of pain following surgery; however, if pain does not subside with pain medication, there may be a more serious problem. Your physicians and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable. It is important that they be alerted if their efforts to control your pain are not effective. With today's new and improved pain medications, there is n...

Postoperative Management Recovering From Surgery / Intensive Care After Surgery: Discomforts and Complications Pain Management Discharge Planning

Preoperative Management Before any type of surgical procedure, it is important to become prepared. Listed below are considerations that should be made before any elective (non-emergency) procedure. Preparing for Surgery Tests Performed Before Surgery The Surgical Team Types of Anesthesia and Your Anesthesiologist Checklist for Surgery / Consent Forms / Insurance Information

Purpose of Having Surgery What is the purpose of surgery? Surgery, whether elective or required, is done for a multitude of reasons. A patient may have surgery to: further explore the condition for the purpose of diagnosis. take a biopsy of a suspicious lump. remove diseased tissues or organs. remove an obstruction. reposition structures to their normal position. redirect channels. transplant tissue or whole organs. implant mechanical or electronic devices. improve physical appearance.

Questions to Ask Before Surgery Important questions to ask before having surgery: Millions of Americans will undergo surgery each year. It is important for patients to be informed about the surgery being recommended, particularly if it is elective surgery (an operation you choose to have performed), rather than an emergency surgery (also called urgent surgery). All surgeries have risks and benefits which you should familiarize yourself with before deciding whether the procedure is appropriate for you. T...

Recovering From Surgery / Intensive Care Recovering from surgery: Once surgery has been completed, you are brought to the recovery room, which also may be called the post-anesthesia care unit. In the recovery room, clinical staff will closely monitor you as you recover from anesthesia. The length of time spent in recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient. While a patient is in recovery, the clinical staff may do the following: monitor vital signs such as blood pressure...

Surgery Overview Types of Surgery The Surgical Setting Purpose of Having Surgery

Surgery Statistics According to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics, 46 million inpatient surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2006, followed closely by outpatient surgeries. Other surgical statistics for both in- and outpatient procedures include: Hysterectomy: 569,000 Cesarean section: 1.3 million Reduction of fracture: 627,000 Coronary artery bypass graft: 444,000 Total knee replacement: 542,000 Total hip replacement: 231,000

Tests Performed Before Surgery Many surgeons order routine laboratory tests before admission to the hospital, or even before certain outpatient procedures, to identify potential problems that might complicate surgery if not detected and treated early. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the most common tests performed before surgery (and possible reasons/symptoms why they are performed) are included in the following list: chest x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible ...

The Day of Surgery / Getting Ready For Surgery / The Operating Room What to expect the day of surgery: On the day of surgery, you will meet with the medical team involved in your surgery. This may include your surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and various other healthcare professionals. Getting ready for surgery: You may expect some of the following to occur: You may need to change into a hospital gown. You will receive an identification bracelet. An intravenous line may be inserted in your forearm for ane...

The Surgical Setting What will the surgical setting look like? In the past, surgery may have meant a lengthy hospital stay to recover. With modern medical advances, the patient now has several options, depending on the diagnosis: outpatient surgery Due to advances in surgical procedures and anesthesia, many surgeries performed today allow the patient to recover and go home on the same day. Outpatient surgery, when appropriate, has proven to reduce costs, reduce stress for the patient, speed up the proce...

The Surgical Team The surgical team: When a patient undergoes surgery, a team of medical staff assists the surgeon in the procedure. The number of team members differs depending on the type of surgery performed. Among others, most teams include: The surgeon: A surgeon has completed four years of medical school and has received further specialized training after medical school. Most surgeons have passed exams given by a national board of surgeons for "board certification." In addition, some surgeons have...