Preparing Children for Heart Surgery
Quick Facts
- Your child’s heart care team is an important resource before surgery.
- Tell your child’s care team about any recent illnesses that could delay the surgery date.
- If your child has vaccines due around the time of surgery, ask the surgical team about the best timing.
- Ask questions to help you and your child feel prepared for surgery.
Ariel was born with an atrioventricular canal defect. Her mom watches over her as she awaits surgery.
Your child’s surgery will take place at a hospital that specializes in heart surgery for children. This may be the hospital where your child usually gets care, or it may be another hospital that has special experience with your child’s type of surgery.
It's important for your child to be as healthy as possible before surgery. In the days or weeks before surgery, try to keep your child away from people who have a cold or fever. If your child gets a fever, cough or cold, contact the heart or surgery team. They can help decide whether the surgery should go forward or be delayed.
Your child will have a visit the week before surgery for counseling and tests. Common tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, chest X-ray and blood tests. During that visit, you may also be able to take a tour of the hospital with your child.
Children are usually admitted to the hospital the day of the surgery or the day before. How long the surgery takes and how long your child stays in the hospital will depend on your child’s heart condition, the type of surgery and how your child recovers afterward.
Ariel was born with an atrioventricular canal defect.
Sometimes surgery times change because of emergencies or other hospital needs. It may help to prepare your child for the chance that the surgery could be delayed or rescheduled.
It’s important to help both yourself and your child get ready for surgery and the hospital stay. Your child’s heart care team will give you information to help prepare for tests, surgery and time in the hospital. Nurses, child life specialists or social workers may also be available to answer questions. Taking a tour of the hospital before surgery can help you and your child know what to expect.
Ask the hospital which comforting items you can bring, such as favorite toys, pictures, blankets or pillows. Ask ahead of time about visiting rules and who is allowed to stay with your child. In many cases, a parent or guardian can stay overnight in the room. If not, the hospital may offer nearby places for parents and guardians to stay.
