Your Child’s Heart Surgery: Preparation

Before surgery

You and your child will make a visit to the hospital a few days or weeks before surgery to do the following:

• Register your child for surgery.  Have identification and insurance information with you. Staff can help answer any questions. 

• Have a physical exam, health history, and tests.  Your child will be examined. Several tests will be done to see if they are healthy enough for surgery. These include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, or echocardiogram.

• Meet with the surgeon and sign consent forms.  The surgeon will explain the surgery in detail to you. You’ll be told about the risks and benefits and what to expect before and after surgery. You’ll also need to sign consent forms if you agree to have your child treated. Ask any questions you have at this time. Also, tell the surgeon if your child has any allergies or is taking any medicines. The surgeon will advise you about any changes in medicine that are needed before the surgery.

• Meet with the anesthesiologist.  You’ll learn how your child will be kept asleep and comfortable during the surgery.

• Take a tour of the patient care areas. You and your child may want to see the area where surgery is done. You may also want to visit the intensive care unit (ICU) or recovery area where your child will stay after surgery.

• Transfusions and directed blood donation. Your child may need a blood transfusion in surgery. All blood is matched to your child's type and is screened for infections, such as hepatitis. Blood is often in short supply, so donations are always welcome. You may wish to donate blood for your child in case a blood transfusion is needed during the surgery. Directed blood transfusions are where your child receives your blood if you have a compatible type. These can be hard to arrange and may need to be done about a week before your child's surgery. Talk with your child's healthcare provider to find out if it's possible. 

Within a week before surgery

Call the surgeon if your child has a fever or other symptoms of an infection within 7 days before the surgery.

The day before surgery

Tips for the day before surgery include: 

• Follow any directions your child is given for taking medicines and for not eating or drinking before surgery.

• Your child may bring a favorite toy or blanket to the hospital for comfort. This item stays with your child until the surgery begins.

The day of surgery

Here is what to expect the day of surgery: 

• You can stay with your child in the preoperative area. Reassure your child that you’ll be nearby during the surgery.

• You can stay in a waiting area until the surgery is over.

Helping your child get ready for surgery

You can help your child by learning more about the surgery and preparing your child in advance. Many hospitals also have a child life specialist. This person is trained to help children understand what to expect during their treatment experience. Books, videos, dolls, and toys may be used to help explain the surgery to your child:

• Explain what will happen during the surgery in short and simple terms. Speak to preschool or school age children a few days in advance. Older children and teens should be given information earlier.

• Make sure your child understands that the surgeon will be operating on the heart. Point to the heart area on the body. Or, if your child is older, showing pictures may help. It’s important to explain that the surgery will leave a scar.

• Let your child ask questions. Your child may be worried that the surgery will hurt. Reassure your child that medicine will be given so they will be comfortable and asleep during the surgery. Explain that your child will have no memory of the surgery when they wake up.

• Let your child know that you’ll be at the hospital in a nearby room during the surgery. Your child will be able to see you when the surgery is over.