Treatments & Procedures

For information about a range of treatments, procedures and operations such as having tonsils and adenoids removed, grommets inserted, and anaesthetic. If your child is having a procedure, you might also find the section Coping with treatment and hospital useful. 

A young child in a hospital bed having treatment

Copyright: ampyang / 123RF Stock Photo

Anaesthetic

When your child has a general anaesthetic, an anaesthetist will give them medicine to make them unaware and unconscious. You have an important role in preparing your child for their anaesthetic so that their experience is as positive as possible.

Cerebral Palsy & Stem Cell Treatments

Scientists are developing stem cell therapies for the replacement or repair of damaged tissues such as nerves, muscle and other parts of the body. Doctors and scientists are researching stem cell therapy and looking at the best ways to use stem cells in cerebral palsy.  

Circumcision

Circumcision is the operation to remove the foreskin. Circumcision is not risk free. It's important to find out about the potential risks as well as potential benefits when considering circumcision.

Constipation Treatment

The aim is for your child to do 1 soft formed poo every day. You can try some simple measures first for your child's constipation. If those don't work, your child will need help from laxatives.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Crohn's Disease Treatment

The aims of treatment for Crohn's disease are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, make sure your child is growing well and has the vitamins and minerals they need. Some children may need to see a dietitian as part of their treatment.

Dimethicone Lotion For Treating Head Lice

4 percent (4%) dimethicone lotion is a very effective head lice treatment that your family doctor can prescribe.

Drips (Intravenous Fluids Or IV)

A drip is a short, small plastic tube that a doctor or nurse will put into your child's vein, using a needle. They will leave a plastic tube in so that fluids and medicines go directly into your child's blood.

Epidural Analgesia

An epidural is a very effective method of pain control used both during and after major surgery to the chest, tummy and legs.

Giving Insulin To Children With Diabetes

Children and young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus need insulin therapy to replace the insulin that the body can no longer produce. Children and young people with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin.

Grommets

Your child's doctor may recommend grommets if your child has glue ear that won't clear up, or has frequent ear infections.

Home Oxygen For Infants

Some babies will need home oxygen to help with their breathing.

Morphine Infusion

A morphine infusion is pain relieving medicine your child receives continuously through a pump. Children usually have it after an operation but can sometimes have it to manage pain that results from a medical condition.

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

PCA stands for patient controlled analgesia. A PCA pump is a device that allows your child to give themselves a pre-set amount of pain medicine (usually morphine), as needed, by pressing a hand-held button.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a permanent neurosurgical operation. SDR reduces spasticity (stiffness) in the legs of tamariki/children with cerebral palsy. 

Tongue Tie

Tongue tie is a condition that involves a small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This is called the frenulum. When a baby's frenulum is short or tight it can stop their tongue from moving properly. This is called a tongue tie. Tongue tie may cause a problem with breastfeeding for some babies.

Tonsillectomy & Adenotonsillectomy

Find out what tonsils and adenoids are and why children sometimes need to have them removed. 

Having A Tonsillectomy Or Adenotonsillectomy

Find out what to expect before, during and after your child's tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.

Tube Feeding

Tube feeding generally involves delivering a liquid feed through the nose (nasal tube) or stomach (gastrostomy tube). Tube feeding helps your child to meet their nutritional needs when they are not able to eat or drink enough by mouth.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

The aims of treatment for ulcerative colitis are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, make sure your child is growing well and has the vitamins and minerals they need. Some children may need to see a dietitian as part of their treatment.

Wet Combing With Conditioner For Treating Head Lice

Wet combing with cheap conditioner and a fine-tooth head lice (nit) comb is an effective way to find and remove head lice, if done properly.

Your Child's Arm Plaster

Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints allow your child's broken bone time to rest and heal.

Your Child's Leg Plaster

Plasters (also called casts or plaster casts) and splints allow the fracture time to rest and heal.

Home Oxygen - More Detail

Home Oxygen - What Else Do I Need To Know?