The child had already changed into a surgical gown,
Ready to enter the operating room tomorrow,
But suddenly developed a fever and cough tonight.
Parents hold the thermometer,
Watching the numbers rise bit by bit,
Their anxiety escalating with each degree.
The planned surgery has been abruptly paused.
But this pause is to ensure absolute safety.
Why Is Winter Surgery Prone to "Emergency Brakes"?
Here's an important medical fact to understand. Although tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are routine procedures, they require general anesthesia. A fever is often a signal that the body is actively fighting an infection. Performing anesthesia and surgery at this time is like asking someone who is running to suddenly lie down for an operation—the strain on the heart and lungs increases significantly.
Especially in winter, the cold, dry air, children's relatively weaker immunity, and changes in their environment make their respiratory tracts particularly sensitive. Administering anesthesia during a respiratory infection greatly increases the risk of complications like laryngeal spasm.
Therefore, when a doctor halts a surgery, it is genuinely to safeguard the child. Typically, one must wait until the child has fully recovered, with symptoms gone for another 1-2 weeks, before reassessing the optimal timing for the procedure.
While postponing surgery is regrettable, it also highlights gaps in preoperative preparation for many families. To help your child avoid detours and navigate the surgery smoothly, please take note of this detailed "Preoperative Clearance Guide."
The "Passport" to Surgery: Three Core Examinations Are Indispensable
Many parents ask: Are all these tests really necessary? In fact, every test report paves the way for surgical safety.
First Check: See Where the "Blockage" Is
Using a nasal endoscope and lateral nasopharyngeal radiograph, doctors can clearly see the size and position of the adenoids, and the extent of airway obstruction—much like viewing a navigation map. This "map" determines the accuracy and necessity of the surgery.
Second Check: Understand the True Nighttime Condition
How severe is the child's snoring and restlessness during sleep? A sleep study provides objective answers. This test records changes in the child's breathing and blood oxygen levels throughout the night, and is the "gold standard" for diagnosing sleep apnea.
Third Check: Comprehensive Physical "Check-up"
Complete blood count, coagulation function, electrocardiogram... These seemingly routine tests actually help identify potential risks. Just like checking a vehicle's condition before a trip, they ensure the child's body is in optimal shape to safely "start the journey."
Besides Fever, These "Red Lights" Can Also Halt Surgery
Inadequate Fasting and Fluid Restriction
This is an ironclad rule for anesthesia safety!
Typical requirements: 8 hours of fasting from solid food, 6 hours from formula milk, and 2 hours from clear fluids (like water, pulp-free juice) before surgery.
This prevents aspiration during anesthesia, protecting the child's airway and avoiding life-threatening aspiration pneumonia.
Sudden Physical Changes
Rashes, diarrhea, or the onset of menstruation in girls must be reported to the doctor immediately for evaluation of their impact on surgery. Sometimes, even minor changes can affect surgical plans.
Parent's "Assistance Guide": You Can Do More Than You Think
Create a Smoke-Free Home
Tobacco smoke irritates the respiratory tract and increases surgical risks. At least one week before surgery, the entire family should completely quit smoking and eliminate all second-hand and third-hand smoke (tobacco residues lingering on furniture, clothing, etc.) that could irritate the child's airway.
Prepare Postoperative Essentials in Advance
Food: Prepare tepid or cool liquid or semi-liquid foods such as milk, soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, nutritional paste, etc.
Items: Have ice packs or cold compresses ready for applying cold therapy to the neck after surgery, which effectively reduces swelling and pain.
These thoughtful preparations will bring much comfort to the child during the postoperative recovery period.
Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
The evening before surgery, give the child a bath and put them in clean, comfortable clothes. Keeping the skin clean helps reduce the risk of postoperative infection.
Oral hygiene is also crucial! If surgical wounds encounter bacteria in the mouth, the risk of infection increases. Therefore, follow the doctor's advice to use antibacterial mouthwash diligently for several days before surgery. Good oral hygiene effectively reduces bacteria in the oropharynx.
Soothe the Child with Warm Words
"The doctor will remove the little lump blocking your nose, so you can sleep much more comfortably afterward." A parent's calmness and encouragement often soothe a child's anxiety more effectively than any medicine.
We completely understand the anxiety parents feel when facing a surgery delay. But safety is always more important than speed.
When a postponement is truly unavoidable, there's no need to worry excessively. Cooperate with the doctor to treat the current symptoms, allow the child ample rest and recovery, and replan the schedule, waiting for the optimal surgical window.
Every examination, every moment of waiting, every postponement,
Is building a stronger safety net for the child.
A safe surgery is never something to be rushed.
When all the green lights are on,
When all conditions are met,
The child will receive not just a successful surgery,
But also a faster, more comfortable recovery journey.
