The meaning of a surgical experience to a child - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v11i5.17084

Abstract

The aim of this research was to understand the meaning of surgery to a child. It is a phenomenological qualitative research with the structured phenomenon-based approach. Fourteen children were interviewed in three hospitals in Londrina-PR. Results of discourse analyses built empirical categories that were grouped into three moments: period pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative. The first moment gathers memories of the symptoms of the illness, of the announcement of a need for surgery and the fear. The second describes the memories of the physical and human environment of Operation Room. The third links the experiences of pain and post-operatory complications, the restrictions, the non-fulfilled needs and overcoming the difficulties. Therefore, to a child, undergo a surgery means a discontinuity of daily routine, bringing forth feelings that range from body perception of being sick to deep feelings such as fear, sadness, anxiety and loneliness. It also means overcoming the difficulties to return to daily life.