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It is vital that both the child and family have a clear understanding of what is going to happen. Ample time for discussion with members of the LR multidisciplinary team will aid this process. It may be of help to meet other families that have been through a similar experience. All patients and families must attend a preadmission clinic appointment, a ‘final check’ before proceeding with surgery.
Instructions will be provided on when a patient should fast from, and when they should arrive at the hospital. Your surgeon will meet with you prior to the operation, to answer any final questions. The time spent in the operating suite is generally between 3-4 hrs. One parent or guardian is allowed to accompany the child to the induction room, where the anaesthetic is given, and both parents will be invited to the recovery room as your child wakes up. Once the operation has finished, a member of the surgical team will come and speak to the family.
Admission is usually to the Platypus Ward. The length of stay after an operation may be from one to five days. During the hospital stay, parents and guardians will be encouraged to participate in their child's care. This assists in learning about the exernal fixator (if used), and increases familiarity with mobility requirements and any orthotics, braces or gait aids. Ward nursing staff and the Limb Reconstruction nurse are available to answer any queries.
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