Tunneled Catheter: Before Your Child's Procedure

Talk to your child about the procedure. Say that it will help your child get the medicines that your child needs. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.

Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.

Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.

Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.

Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's procedure and answer any questions.

Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before the procedure. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a sip of water.

Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should bathe or shower before the procedure. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.

Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.

Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.

Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.

Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. Your child may get medicine to bring on a light sleep or to help your child relax. The area being worked on will be numb.

The procedure will take about 1 hour.

After the procedure, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery staff will monitor your child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the procedure.

You will probably be able to take your child home after he or she is awake and alert and the doctor says it's okay.

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare your child for the procedure.

Your child becomes ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the procedure.