This page has information about what to expect when your child is having a general anaesthetic at Evelina London. For more information, please download our leaflet Your child's general anaesthetic (PDF 77Kb).
Before the operation
After the doctor decides your child needs surgery or an investigation under anaesthetic, we will send you an admission letter with the date for your child’s hospital stay.
The letter will include instructions about what to do before the operation (for example, instructions about fasting) and contact details.
Pre-assessment clinic
The doctor will also refer you to our pre-assessment clinic, where your child will be seen by a nurse specialist and occasionally an anaesthetist.
You may be asked to attend the pre-assessment clinic after your child's surgical consultation, but if this is not possible, we will make another appointment for you to attend.
At the clinic, we will talk to you about the types of anaesthetic and pain relief best suited to your child after surgery. You can also ask any questions you have.
Find out more about the pre-assessment clinic.
Preparing your child
It is important that your child's stomach is as empty as possible during their operation or investigation. If food is in their stomach while having a general anaesthetic, your child is at a higher risk of being sick while unconscious. This could lead to complications.
Your admission letter and staff at the pre-assessment clinic will explain the time your child can have their last food and drink before the investigation or operation. For more information, download our leaflet Your child's general anaesthetic (PDF 77Kb).
On the day of surgery, an anaesthetist will talk you through the procedure again and answer any questions you have.
You will be able to go with your child to the anaesthetic room, which is next to the theatre where they are having their operation. Once they have fallen asleep, a nurse will take you back to the ward.
After the operation
Your child will be taken to the recovery area. Here, specially trained recovery nurses will closely monitor your child.
You will be taken to the recovery area as soon as your child starts to wake up. When your child is ready, we take them back to the ward with you if they are staying in the children's hospital overnight. If your child is having day surgery, we explain when it is safe for them to go home.
Your child may be able to start drinking fluids and then have a light meal within a few hours of returning to the ward. This depends on the type of procedure. If your child has day surgery, they should be able to eat and drink or feed as usual again within 1 to 2 hours of the procedure. Please speak to your child’s nurse before giving your child any food or drink.