About Retinopathy of Prematurity Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease that occurs in premature babies. It causes abnormal blood vessels to grow in the retina, the layer of nerve tissue in the eye that enables us to see. This growth can cause the retina to detach from the back …
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Types of Anesthesia
If your child is having surgery or a procedure, it can help to understand how the various types of anesthesia make the experience more comfortable. Anesthesia is broken down into three main categories: general, regional, and local, all of which affect the nervous system in some way and can be …
What Is “Minimally Invasive” Surgery?
My daughter needs to undergo a surgical procedure, and the doctor has recommended “minimally invasive” surgery. What type of surgery is this? Will it be as safe — and effective — as standard surgery? – Julianne Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals. These procedures are …
What Is Elective Surgery?
I’ve heard the term “elective surgery,” but I’m not sure what it means. Is it just a procedure that you choose to get, like a nose job? – Heather The name “elective” might imply that this type of surgery is optional, but that’s not always the case. An elective procedure is …
What Is Informed Consent?
My son is having surgery in a few weeks. The nurses have given us pamphlets and educational materials to learn more about it, in preparation for something called “informed consent.” What does this mean? – Ned Informed consent is a legal term. It means that you are fully aware of …
When Your Child Needs a Heart Transplant
If your child needs a heart transplant, you’re probably feeling lots of emotions all at once — including anger, sadness, worry, and frustration. These feelings can become overwhelming, especially when your child is waiting for a new heart. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, …
When Your Child Needs a Liver Transplant
Being told that your child needs a liver transplant may leave you feeling scared, angry, or confused. You might not fully understand why your child needs a new organ or where the new organ will come from. Just thinking about the months ahead may fill you with dread and worry. …
When Your Child’s in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
It can be stressful whenever kids are in the hospital — and even more so when they’re admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). But a basic understanding of the people and equipment in the PICU can help you feel better prepared to help your child recover. What’s the …