Pre and Post Op Care

• What will you be able to describe by the end of the session?

  The journey of a patient through their surgical journey
• What factors will you identify that constitute preoperative care?

  Factors that constitute preoperative care
• Why is it important to understand the information and advice given to patients and their parents prior to surgery?

  It helps prepare them for the surgical process and reduces anxiety
• What factors will you identify that constitute postoperative care?


  Factors that constitute postoperative care
• What information should be imparted to a child and their parent prior to discharge?

  Information regarding care after discharge
• What is surgery defined as?

  The treatment of injury, deformity, and disease using operative procedures
• What age range does children's surgery encompass?

  Patients from before birth up to age 19
• How does operative surgery in infants and young children differ from adults?

  It differs in technique, tissue handling, and attention to homeostasis
• What are the differences in pre and post operative care for children?

  They include fluid management and pain control
• What is an immediate surgical intervention?

  A lifesaving, limb saving, or organ saving intervention
• What characterizes urgent surgery?

  Acute onset or clinical deterioration that is potentially life-threatening
• What is expedited surgery?

  Surgery for a condition that is not an immediate threat, undertaken within days
• What is elective surgery?

  Surgery planned in advance of routine admission to hospital
• When should the assessment in the Pre-Assessment Clinic be carried out?

  As soon as possible to identify and address any issues
• What is the aim of the Pre-Assessment Clinic?

  To reduce anxiety and improve postoperative outcomes
• What is carefully assessed regarding proposed surgery?

  The risk/benefit of the proposed surgery
• What can be planned in the Pre-Assessment Clinic?

  ICU, Day surgery bed, HDU bed, or specialist surgical ward bed requirements
• What should be included in preoperative care?

  Physical and psychological preparation
• What is assessed in the Pre-Assessment Clinic?

  Patients' suitability for surgery and identification of potential problems
• What should be provided to patients regarding surgery?

  Written and verbal information about surgery
• What previous information should be identified before surgery?

  Previous surgery and complications
• What types of preoperative testing may be organized?

  Blood tests, Chest X-ray, MRSA screening
• What protocols should be implemented in the Pre-Assessment Clinic?

  Protocols for fasting and administration of medicines
• What should be reviewed to avoid perioperative risk?

  Medication regimes
• What is preoperative prophylaxis?

  Antibiotics or anticoagulants given before surgery
• What happens if a patient requires emergency surgery?

  The child may be seen on the ward by the Surgical team and the Anaesthetist before surgery
• What should be assessed regarding the patient's understanding of surgery?

  Understanding of the proposed surgery and risks
• What information should be provided regarding fasting preoperatively?

  Information about fasting requirements
• What is the purpose of bowel prep?

  To prepare the bowel for surgery
• What should be included in pain management information?

  Postoperative specific care required
• What should be discussed regarding recovery time?

  Time off school
• Where can information provision be delivered?

  In OPD, pre-assessment clinic, or during a pre-admission visit
• What is the purpose of pre-admission tours?

  To decrease parent and child anxieties
• What should parents and children do during pre-admission tours?

  Meet with the nursing and medical/surgical team on the ward
• What guidelines should be adhered to during theatre preparation?

  Local guidelines and protocols
• What must be completed before a patient is brought to theatre?

  The pre-op checklist signed by the nurse
• What information should be included on the name band?

  Name, DOB, Hospital number, and allergies
• What must be completed regarding consent?

  Consent must be completed, signed, and dated by both the Surgical Team and the patient/parents
• What fasting times are recommended for elective procedures for children aged 0-16 years?

  Solid food and formula = 6 hours, Breast Milk = 4 hours, Clear Fluid = 1 hour
• What is the maximum volume of clear fluid recommended?

  3 mls/kg maximum volume