Post-operative symptoms at home in children following day case surgery

Authors

  • AF Faponle Consultant Anaesthetist, Department of Anaesthesia, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
  • UEd Usang Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Keywords:

Pain, Post-operative, Nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Background: This prospective questionnaire-based study examined the post-operative symptoms encountered by children who underwent day case surgery at a dedicated day case surgery unit. The study evaluated the post-operative symptoms that occurred at home. The parents evaluated the instructions given in the hospital for care at home. Methods: All children aged 1 day -14 years, who were operated on over a one year period were prospectively followed up following elective day case surgery. The incidence and duration of symptoms occurring after discharge was evaluated, using a structured questionnaire completed by the parents. The instructions given in hospital for care at home were evaluated by the parents using a different questionnaire. Results: A total of 100 children were operated on during the period. Pain (72%), emetic symptoms (16%) and difficulty with walking(7%) were the commonest symptoms occurring on the way home. There were no unplanned re-admissions. Two- thirds of the parents did not know enough about the treatment of the wound and of the overall recovery of the child. Conclusions: Post operative symptoms following elective day case surgery are amenable to treatment and prevention with a wider use of available drugs.

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Original Research