Best of luck to Sammy! I bet he bounces back even quicker than us old-timers (and most of us aren't doing too shabby). The hospital should know a lot more about what this is like for an 8-year-old (vs. older people) so I'd ask them these questions too. But ff it's similar for kids as adults, he'll probably be in the hospital for the first 4-5 days after surgery. At which point, I'd guess it'll probably be a little more comfortable to stay in a hotel for a few more days after that (vs. getting him on a plane or in a car for a long ride). I don't know if there are flying restrictions for a while after surgery (i.e. are pressure changes hurt a concern?). But if driving, I bet he could easily go back home after 3-5 days in a hotel room. But again, I'd check with the hospital for their recommendations. You'd probably want to play it by ear in any case and see how he feels, but that'd be my guess, based on how I was feeling 3 or 4 days after I got out of the hospital. As far as a special bed - I'd say just get a bunch of extra pillows in case it's more comfortable for him to semi-recline than lay down. I think the main role family members can play is to help prevent him from doing too much. I suspect he'll start feeling so good a week or so after surgery, he'll start wanting to play like before, and he'll need to be careful for a while. So family keeping an eye on him can help remind him not to do this or that or it might hurt... But again - I be the hospital has all this stuff nailed pretty good for younger kids, so I'd double-check with them on some of these questions.
I agree with Andy. To answer your questions, how far are you traveling? Are you talking about a few hour drive or far enough you need to fly? Also will he be having surgery ata childrens hospital?
For the most part, everyone is diffeent of course, but One of Justin's surgeries were when he was 10. he was in the hospital about a week, a little less and believe it or not, the day he was discharged he played drums in the school Christmas concert. Only because he was really upset after months of practicing he couldn't be in it, so the docs said if he was home and just did his songs and left, he could go, it gave him something to work hard for. That was his 3rd surgery but the first one he remembers. I'm not sure if you are asking about family while he is in the hospital or when you get home, but I would ask the hospital what rules they have, especially in ICU, often they only allow a couple people at a time in the room and have restrictions on kids below a certain age visiting. The day of surgery and the next day, Justin never wanted visators but by the 3rd day post op he was happy to have company, and some one to play video games with. Once home, we played it by ear, I told everyone to call before they came over, in case Justin was sleeping or getting tired. I tried to have things they could do with him sitting around, when he was younger it was legos, board games, crafts ect. About a week after that surgery he was feeling great, the hardest part was to keep him from doing dumb things (like tried to go sledding when he was at a friends house) but he still got tired quickly and took naps.
ps. The Social worker and/or Child life person at the hospital might be able to give you alot of good info, and they'll know what there rules are, what game systems theyhave available, incase yo want to take a new video gaame ect.
FWIW, we never had a special bed for Justin after any of his surgeries. he was fine in his bed, with extra pillows ad the surgeries when we had a recliner he napped in that during the day