Have your child explain back to you what is going to happen in the hospital. School-aged children sometimes will listen carefully but not understand all that was said.

This is the time to ask questions: What are the expected results? What are the possible risks and complications? How long will the surgery take?

You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. It states in detail that you understand the risks and benefits of your child's surgery.

Detailed information on preoperative management

Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events they will experience the day of surgery. It is a nonthreatening, often reassuring, way to learn about the hospital.

Once surgery is done, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Play therapy is used to help children understand and cope with illness, surgery, hospitalization, treatments, and procedures.

If your child has moderate to severe pain, they may receive narcotics during and after surgery. If your child is in the ICU after surgery, they may receive sedatives along with pain medicines.

Learn what you can expect about hospital discharge after your child has minor surgery.

Intensive care is needed for children who have had certain types of major surgery: heart operations, organ transplants, or neurosurgery.