Hepatitis B virus affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems, such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver. Immunization Schedule Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) usually is given as a series of three injections: shortly after birth …
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Anesthesia – What to Expect
When your child is having any kind of procedure or surgery that requires anesthesia, it’s understandable to be a little uneasy. You probably have plenty of questions about everything — from how the anesthesia is given, to what your child will experience, to where you’re allowed to be. What happens …
Anesthesia Basics
No doubt about it, getting an operation can be stressful for kids and adults alike. If your child is scheduled for surgery, you may have questions or concerns about anesthesia. The thought of your child being unconscious or temporarily losing sensation can be downright unnerving, whether your child is 7 …
Appendectomy
Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix when an infection has made it inflamed and swollen. This infection, called appendicitis, is considered an emergency because it can be life threatening if untreated — occasionally, an inflamed appendix bursts after a day of symptoms. So it’s very important to have …
Blood Transfusions
A blood transfusion is a fairly simple medical procedure. In a transfusion, a patient receives whole blood or one of its parts through an intravenous line, or IV. This is a tiny tube that is inserted into a vein using a small needle. While patients are likely to feel a …
Can Anesthesia Hurt Brain Development?
My son may need surgery, and a friend told me that anesthesia might cause problems with brain development. Is this something I should talk about with my son’s doctor? – Matthew Yes. Whenever surgery or a medical procedure is recommended for your child, talk with the doctor about any concerns …
Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)
About G-Tubes Some kids have medical problems that prevent them from being able to take adequate nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. It’s one of the ways doctors can make sure kids …
Laryngoscopy
About Laryngoscopy Laryngoscopy is a visual examination below the back of the throat, where the voice box (larynx) containing the vocal cords is located. It helps doctors identify the causes of voice and breathing problems, throat or ear pain, difficulty in swallowing, narrowing of the throat (strictures or stenosis), and …
Preparing Your Child for Anesthesia
Providing Support If your child needs to have an operation, you probably have plenty of questions, many of them about anesthesia. You may wonder if your child will feel pain during the operation, be aware of what’s going on, wake up in the middle of the surgery and be scared, …
Preparing Your Child for Surgery
Preparing Yourself Your child needs elective surgery and a date has been scheduled. Unlike emergency surgery, an elective procedure isn’t done as an immediate matter of life and death. Having an elective procedure gives you the time to prepare your child for the hospital and the surgery. Good preparation can help …