The surgical technique used to remove your child’s tumor depends on several factors, including the type and location of the tumor, your child’s general medical condition, and the type of procedure needed. However, some principles apply to all operations requiring a general anesthetic. Children are usually given anesthesia through a breathing mask, an intravenous injection, or both. A breathing tube is placed in the trachea (windpipe) and connected to a ventilator that will breathe for the child every few seconds. Your child will be anesthetized before the breathing tube is inserted.

During the operation, your child will be connected to many different monitors to ensure there is an adequate supply of oxygen in the blood and that fluids are maintained at proper levels. Blood pressure, heart rate, and other functions are carefully monitored. Your child may also be connected to special monitoring to watch electrical impulses controlling movement of the face, arms, and legs. Brain wave monitoring is sometimes used to detect the presence of seizure activity.

Once the child awakens from the anesthesia, clear liquids are given first and solid foods are offered after the neurosurgeon feels it is safe. Some children are not able to drink and/or eat for several days, depending on the surgery. These children are given nutrition through an intravenous line or through an NG tube through the nose to the stomach.

Most children who have brain surgeries do not experience serious complications. Many children are awake and hungry by the evening of surgery and are out of bed and walking the next day. The risk of complications in children is usually lower than in adults, because children recover from postoperative symptoms and weakness at a much faster rate than adults.

A small number of children with brain or spinal cord tumors experience significant complications from the surgery. These are discussed in the next section.