I do not know what to expect - I need to have an operation - Information for kids and teens

You watch your favorite series like 'Grey's Anatomy' and you see a lot of doctors operating and now you found out that it is your turn to have an operation.  This can be quite scary, so lets have a look at what you can expect and gather more information.

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The first thing that will play a role is the type of surgery you will have to undergo.  Some like for instance removing your wisdom teeth, will be done and you can go home the same day when you are awake and the doctor is happy with the progress.  The other type of operations will be bigger and longer and you will have to stay a night or two in  the hospital to be monitored and the nurses will make sure you have no infections.

If your operation is not an emergency, you will have some time to prepare yourself and you will be admitted to the hospital on a certain day.  Once you get there, the nurses will monitor your vitals, make sure you are healthy and get you dressed in a special 'gown' that you will wear.  Not the most beautiful gown you will ever wear and a bad fashion statement, but now is not the time to worry about what you look like.

The nurse will give you some medication that will calm you down a little bit, because the waiting can make you very anxious.  Some people sleep from this pill, but you do not have to be afraid to fall asleep.  They will not just operate on you without giving you the proper anesthetic.

An anesthetic is a drug to prevent pain during surgery. A wide variety of drugs are used in modern anesthetic practice. Many are rarely used outside anesthesia, although others are used commonly by all disciplines. 

You will also be given a plastic band around your arm with your name and birth date and why your are there.

It is very important not to eat before an operation, since the anesthesia can cause vomiting and you might choke or make you feel more sick afterwards.  If you are having an emergency operation and you did eat, just tell the doctor, but if it is an emergency, it is more important to get the surgery than to worry about how you will feel afterwards.

If you need to go for any other tests like x-rays or drawing blood or a brain scan, these tests will be done before the operation starts.  Many times the doctor needs these tests done to know exactly what they must do or where to cut.

A special doctor that will give you the anesthesia will come and see you to talk about what will happen, how much you weight, did you eat, do you have any allergies etc.  Do not be shy and ask him/her all the questions you want answers to.

 anesthesiologist — the doctor or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who specializes in giving anesthetics, the medications that will help you fall asleep or numb an area of your body so you don't feel the surgery. The anesthesiology staff will have your medical information so you can be given the amount of anesthetic you need for your age, height, and weight. 

You can undergo an operation where they only numb the area where they will operate.  This is called 'local anesthesia' and you will be awake during the procedure and will be given medicine to keep you calm if you want it.

You will have to remove all piercings and jewelry and if necessary the nurse will also shave the area where the operation will be done.  You will also be put in an IV and this can be used to add medication or give you the anesthesia or blood if needed during the operation.

If you are going into the operating room and are still awake you will maybe feel you are being abducted because everybody will wear gowns and masks and special glasses, there will be bright lights and many types of machines and tools.

You will now be given the anesthesia and before you know it you will be fast asleep, trusting the doctors to do their best.

Once the operation is over, you will be taken to the 'recovery' room where they will monitor you to see if you are waking up and your blood pressure and heart beat is fine.  Some people who are very sick or had a major operation, will be moved to the ICU where they will be monitored the whole time until they are better to move to a general ward or go home.

Having to go for surgery can be very scary, so do not be shy to share this with your friend or parents.  If you want them to stay with you before and after the operation, tell them.  You have no control over the operation, you can just pray for the doctor to do his best and after the operation it will be your turn to make sure that you look after yourself, heal properly and before you know it, all is back to normal.