Before Your Visit > Preparing for Surgery

Preparing your child for a hospital stay involving surgery is something that may be difficult for a parent because your child will likely have more questions than you can answer. One way to help prepare your child for surgery is to take a tour of the hospital, which can be arranged through the Child Life department. For information, call (215) 427-5321.

An tour of the Short Procedure Unit is also available to help prepare children for surgery.

If you unable to come for a tour, pre-operative teaching will be provided on the day of your child's scheduled procedure. There is also a multidisciplinary team to guide both you and your child through the day of surgery. If you have questions concerning your child's procedure or surgery, be sure to ask that day.

Coming in for surgery can be a frightening experience for children of all ages.  At St. Christopher’s Hospital, our Child Life Specialists are trained to help children cope with their hospitalization through preparation, therapeutic play, and education.  Here are a few tips that parents and caregivers can use prior to surgery and hospitalization to help relieve a child’s anxiety and to promote their understanding.

Infants (Birth–1 year)

The most common fear of children at this age is separation from their primary caregivers. It is important for parents and caregivers to be involved in their child’s care as much as possible and to provide support during a hospital stay. Bringing favorite toys, stuffed animals, blankets, etc. from home may also help reduce anxiety.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

At this age, children may also fear separation from their primary caregivers, and have more fears regarding pain and needles. Children in this age range are becoming more active and independent, and hospitalization can cause a loss of control.  It is important to tell toddlers about their upcoming hospitalization and surgery about one to two days before the actual event.  Be sure to use simple words and phrases that the child will understand.  It may also be helpful to read books about coming to the hospital while at home and play with doctor kits and dolls. Reassuring your child that you will be able to stay with him during the hospital visit will also reduce stress and fear.

Preschool (3–5 years)

Hospitalization may be particularly scary for preschoolers because they fear the unknown.  Children at this age level may think that surgery and procedures are a form of punishment for something that they did wrong. It is important to talk to your preschooler about three to five days in advance about going to the hospital, and to use simple language that the child will understand.  Encourage your child to ask questions and to express his or her feelings concerning fears and misconceptions.  It may also be helpful to read books focusing on hospitalization, to play “doctor” with dolls and stuffed animals, and to allow your preschooler to pack up special toys and activities to bring to the hospital.

School-Age (6–12 years)

Children in this age group have a better understanding of different illnesses and why they have to come to the hospital for a surgery or procedure. Their biggest concern may be that their body will not act or look the same after their hospitalization.  It is important to begin talking with your child about a week or two before surgery. School-age children will most likely have many questions and concerns, and it is best to answer them honestly.  Reading books about the hospital and using doctor kits during play would be beneficial prior to hospitalization.

Teenagers (13 years and up)

Many teenagers are concerned with how their body will look after surgery, and how their friends will react to any of these changes caused by their hospitalization.  Teenagers are striving for independence and look more towards their peers for acceptance and approval.  Privacy is also extremely important to teenagers, and hospitalization can be seen as very invasive and as a loss of control over their lives.  Teenagers should be told a few weeks before hospitalization and should be encouraged to participate in decision making about their care.  It is important for teenagers to express their feelings regarding their hospitalization, and it may help to encourage them to keep a private journal or to write down their own questions to ask their doctors.

For more information about preparing your child for surgery or to schedule a tour of the hospital, please contact the Child Life Department at (215) 427-5321.