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The Anaesthetic |
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Post-operative eating and drinking:
When can my child have their first drink?
After grommets, adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy children may take their first drink when they are fully awake. If they don't seem to want a drink, don't force them as they are more likely to vomit if given fluids before they are really ready. Don't give milk as a first fluid, use juice or water. Some children like an ice-lolly as first fluid.
If you child has had an examination of the voice box or wind-pipe they will not be allowed to have a drink for TWO hours after the anaesthetic. This is because the throat will have been sprayed with local anaesthetic, as a result of which they will not have full sensation and are at risk of inhaling any fluids given too early.
When can my child first eat?
After they have kept two or three drinks down for at least 30 minutes, then they can have something to eat. Make it something light and simple such as toast, again as with the fluids don't push things too quickly.
Will they be sick on the journey home?
An anti-sickness medication will have been given as part of the anaesthesia. If you follow the advice above there is still a 20% chance that they will be sick. This is less in younger patients.
For daycases, if you child is car sick then they are MORE likely to vomit on the way home after an operation, you should ask the nurses for a bowl to take in the car.
Are they likely to be sick at home?
If they have been free of sickness in the hospital, they are very unlikely to be sick at home. If they have persistent vomiting you must contact the Portland Hospital, or your General Practitioner or Mr Albert.