Apples for Health- Questions to ask before a child's surgery

Questions to ask before a child's surgery

PARK RIDGE, Ill., Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A child who is prepared will have an easier time with surgery, a U.S. anesthesiologist advises.
However, to be able to provide age-appropriate information for their child, parents first need to inform themselves, advises Dr. Roger Moore, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, based in Park Ridge, Ill.
Questions Moore suggests parents consider asking the physician overseeing their child's care include:
-- Can you walk me through the procedure? How long will it take? How often are there complications? Does my child have any special risks?
-- Can I be with my child before surgery? Will my child be sedated before the anesthesia is given? Can I be with my child when the anesthesia is administered? During surgery?
-- What type of anesthesia will be used and what risks are associated with it? Who administers the anesthesia and how will it be done? How long will it take my child to wake up from general anesthesia or regain feeling in the area that local or regional anesthesia was used?
-- Will my child feel pain or discomfort after surgery? If so, what can be done? Will there be a visible scar? How soon can my child come home?