After surgery, your child will go to the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) where they will wake up from the general anesthesia. The PACU is also called the recovery room or wake-up room.
Nurses in the PACU are specially trained to make sure your child wakes up safely after surgery. Before your child leaves the unit, the nurses will:
- manage your child’s pain and nausea
- check your child’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to make sure they are normal
- make sure the area of your child’s surgery has the proper dressing and wound care
How long will my child be in the PACU?
It’s hard to predict how long your child will be in the PACU. Some children may take up to an hour to wake up from surgery while other children sleep longer.
Ask the staff on the unit where you are waiting for an update on your child. Always keep your phone on and with you in case someone from the hospital calls.
How will my child look right after surgery?
You may be surprised or worried when you see your child for the first time after surgery. It’s normal to notice that your child may:
- have an intravenous (IV)
- be connected to a monitor
- be sleepy (but easy to wake up)
- have a sore throat
- be upset or crying
- have an upset stomach
- be getting oxygen by mask or a tube in their nose
- be confused
- look puffy or swollen
- be shivering (this is usually related to a side effect of the medicine given during surgery)
If you are worried about your child after surgery, please talk to your nurse or surgeon.
Can I be with my child when they wake up?
Parents may be asked to come into the PACU to be with their child once they are awake. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong, but your child may just need you to comfort them.
Not every parent will be asked to go into the PACU. If you don’t go into the PACU, the team will make sure you and your child are together as soon as possible.
Being asked to come in to PACU depends on:
- the needs of your child and other children in PACU
- how long your child will be in PACU
What can I do to prepare my child for waking up after surgery?
Doing the following can help prepare your child for waking up after surgery.
- Send your child’s favourite blanket, small stuffed animal, or soother with them to have after surgery.
- Tell your child that you will see them soon after they wake up.
Tell your child that they may have some pain after surgery. Let your child’s nurse know if you have any worries about your child’s comfort. Ask questions so you know what to expect.
