I will suggest you to first go through previous article (Preparing your child for surgery). Now once you and your child are prepared, you can go through following preoperative instructions.
Although specific instructions may vary from case to case (Depending on type of surgery), following are few general but important instructions.

1. KEEPING CHILD EMPTY STOMACH (CALLED AS NIL BY MOUTH – NBM)
This is very important from anesthesia point of view. Under anesthesia, some content of stomach can return into throat and can spill into airways and lungs. If stomach is not empty, this can add to existing problems.

Following are general guidelines for keeping child nil by mouth.

Solids (Meal, Biscuits, Fruits, Chips, Chocolates etc….) should be stopped 6 hours prior to surgery.

Liquids (Milk, Tea, Coffee, Fruity etc….) should be stopped 4 hours prior to surgery.
Clear liquids (Water and Glucose Water) should be stopped 2 hours prior to surgery.
(So, for example, if surgery is scheduled at 12 Noon. Child can have solid food upto 6AM. No solids after 6 AM, but can have liquid upto 8 AM. No liquids after 8 AM, but can have sips of water upto 10 AM.)

It’s really funny that when we want child to eat, they will not eat for hours together and when we want him to be nil byy mouth, they will cry for food. However, I suggest do not get emotional that child is crying or don’t think that small quantity doesn’t matter. You as a parent I as his or Her Surgeon have common interest and that is safety of child during surgery.
You will be prescribed one medicine which will make the child sleepy during this fasting period so that he or she doesn’t become cranky.

2. DON’T HIDE PAST MEDICAL RECORDS

a. Please always disclose any major or minor illness child suffered prior. You may feel certain diagnosis insignificant but it can be important from anesthesia point of view. Always carry all previous record at the time of anesthesia.

b. Also inform if child is already on certain medication prescribed by your medical practitioner for some other illness.

c. Disclose if child or any family member is having allergies to certain drugs.

d. Mention if any other family member has major illness.

3. We all (Surgical and paramedical team) make maximum efforts to make hospital stay of child as comfortable as possible. Even you can also add comfort for the child by carrying his /her favorite things like toys, books, rhyme songs on electronic device or any other particular thing (like blanket, favorite pillow etc.)

4. We provide standard things supposed to be provided in hospital. However, if you have concern you can pack your own clean bedsheet, blanket. Other things you feel essential for your daily routine like toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps etc. can also be packed.

5. We advice to keep number of visitors limited for two simple reasons. One that will disturb your privacy and child’s rest. Second thing more number of visitors more are the chances of acquired infections.

6. Specific instructions pertaining to your child’s surgery will be suggested separately.

7. Help Desk: Dr. Archana (9011139906) 9am to 8pm, Sister Komal (8668819536) 10am to 6pm

“WISHING YOU AND YOUR CHILD SAFE AND SMOOTH HOSPITAL STAY”

Dr Dinesh Sarda…….