The short answer
Tell your child the truth in simple words a few days before, matched to their age, and bring a favourite toy. Follow the fasting times the anaesthetist gives you exactly: commonly no food for six hours, breast milk up to four hours, and clear fluids until an hour or two before, but your hospital's instructions always win. Tell the team about any cough, cold or fever in the days before, because the operation may need to wait. A parent usually stays until the child is asleep and is there when they wake.
See children's surgery pricesMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Step by step
- 1
Book the consultation
The surgeon examines your child and gives you an all-in price before a date is set.
- 2
Prepare at home
Explain the operation in simple words a few days before, and pack a comfort toy.
- 3
Follow the fasting times
Stop food and drinks exactly when the anaesthetist says.
- 4
Stay with your child
Stay until they are asleep and be there when they wake in recovery.
- 5
Recover at home
Give pain relief as advised, keep the wound clean, and keep the review appointment.
What to say, by age
- Babies and toddlers: they will not understand words, but they read your calm. Keep routines and bring their comforter
- Three to six years: a day or two before, simply say a doctor will fix the problem while they are asleep and you will be there when they wake
- School-age children: explain a few days before, answer questions honestly, and never say it will not hurt at all
- Teenagers: include them in the decision and let them talk to the surgeon directly
Fasting
An empty stomach makes anaesthesia safe. The anaesthetist gives you exact times. Do not give sweets, chewing gum or tea in the fasting window, and do not keep a child fasting longer than told, which only makes them thirsty and miserable.
When to postpone
Call the team before you come if your child has:
- A fever, or has been treated for malaria in the past week
- A chesty cough, wheeze or a runny nose with green mucus
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Chickenpox or contact with it
On the day and after
Bring any medicines, the child's health card and a change of clothes. Most planned children's operations are day cases: your child wakes in recovery, drinks, passes urine and goes home the same day with pain relief and written instructions. Ask the surgical team which signs mean you should call or come back.
What it costs on Mezo
Day case for most children.
Common questions
Is anaesthesia safe for a young child?
A planned anaesthetic given by an anaesthetist experienced with children is very safe. The team checks your child's health first and tells you about any specific risk.
Can I be there when my child goes to sleep?
Usually one parent can stay until your child is asleep. Ask the team on the day.
How much is children's hernia surgery?
Childhood hernia repair on Mezo is from ₦450,000 all-in for one side as a day case, with the final price agreed in writing after the surgeon's examination.
The procedures
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- General anaesthesia. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.