Before your child undergoes any medical treatment, it is critical for you to have a full understanding of the diagnosis, procedure and options available. This will help you manage the fears and anxieties your child may feel.

Surgery can be classified as major or minor, depending on the seriousness of the illness, the parts of the body affected, the complexity of the operation, and the expected recovery time.

Minimally invasive surgery is often used today. It allows the child to recuperate faster and with less pain.

Many surgeries performed on children are done as an outpatient. With minor surgeries, your child will return to the outpatient surgery center after spending the required time in the recovery room.

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?

Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events he or she will experience the day of surgery. It is a non-threatening, often reassuring, way to learn about the hospital.

If your child's doctor decides that your child needs blood or blood products, he or she will explain the reasons for the transfusion.

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

A CT abdominal scan is a type of medical exam that uses X-ray equipment and a computer to make many cross-sectional images of the abdomen.

Symptoms of latex allergy include watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, hives, flushing or a skin rash, itching, or swelling.

It's important to keep your baby's routine the same before the day of surgery. Make sure you, your baby, and your family are well rested.

Read books to your toddler about going to the hospital. Keep any explanations simple and be careful of the words you use.

One of the major fears preschoolers have is fear of the unknown. Tell your child about the surgery several days before the procedure and perhaps even visit the hospital for a tour.

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.

Allow your teen to be part of the decision-making process. Encourage him or her to make a list of questions to ask the doctors and nurses.

When your child goes to the hospital, brothers and sisters may feel afraid, worried, or confused. They are often afraid simply because they do not know what to expect, and they may imagine the worst.

If your baby requires surgery, you may feel helpless. But there’s something you can do to make the experience a little less traumatic: breastfeed. Not only is it comforting for your baby, but nursing will provide the most nutritious and easily digestible food for a healing body.

Before coming to the hospital, remove any watches, necklaces, or earrings that your child wears and leave them at home so they are not misplaced.

Your child will need to know that people in the operating room will be wearing surgical clothes to help prevent germs from infecting the surgical incision.

Most surgical teams include a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. The number of team members differs depending on the type of surgery performed.

During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia—medication given to relieve pain and sensation.