At home before surgery

Follow all food, drink, and medicine directions given by your child’s healthcare provider. This may mean that your child can have nothing to eat or drink for a set amount of time before surgery.

What to bring with you to the hospital

Following are items that you may need to bring with you to the hospital:

• Identification information for you and your child (such as a driver’s license or social security card)

• Health insurance cards

• Proof of guardianship (if you are not the child’s natural parent)

• Medical records for your child

• List of medicines your child is taking

• Comfort item, such as a toy or blanket for your child

• Extra underwear or diapers for your child

• Extra clothing for you and your child if an overnight stay or longer is expected

• Books, toys, or games for your child to play with

Before surgery

• You need to arrive at the hospital at the time you were told to do so before your child’s surgery. Be sure to arrive on time.

• You may be asked to visit the admitting department to register your child for surgery. Registration can sometimes be done in advance during an earlier hospital visit, on the phone, or online.

• There may be a waiting period before your child is prepared for surgery. Have toys and games ready for your child to help them relax during this time.

• A nurse will meet with you and your child.

• Your child will change into a hospital gown and get a hospital identification bracelet.

• Your child may keep a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket with them.

• The nurse will check your child’s vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing). You’ll be asked about your child’s health history and if your child has had anything to eat or drink. Other staff members will also likely ask you these same questions when you meet them later.

• Your child’s surgeon may come meet with you and your child shortly before surgery. Ask any questions you have.

• The anesthesiologist will also meet with you. This is a healthcare provider who has been specially trained to give anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will explain the type of anesthesia your child will receive. One type is general anesthesia. This medicine causes your child to fall asleep and not feel pain during surgery. 

• Your child may first be given a sedative before receiving anesthesia. A sedative is medicine that helps your child relax. It may be given by mouth with a sip of water.

• Anesthesia may be started in a room called an induction room. Or it may be started in the operating room. It can be given in gas form and breathed in through a mask, in liquid form through an IV (intravenous) line, or both.

• You may be allowed to stay with your child until they are asleep. Check with your child’s anesthesiologist.

• A resident or trainee working under the supervision of your child's anesthesiologist or surgeon may help with your child's care.

During surgery

• A pediatric surgeon will do the surgery. The surgeon may be assisted by other surgeons and nurses.

• The anesthesiologist will control the amount of anesthesia your child receives. They may be assisted by a nurse anesthetist. This person also has had special training to give anesthesia. Special equipment is used to watch your child’s vital signs. Anesthesia is stopped once surgery is complete.

After surgery

• Your child will be taken to a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) or a recovery room.

• You may be allowed to stay in the PACU or recovery room with your child. Every child reacts differently to anesthesia. Your child may wake up disoriented, upset, or even crying. These reactions are normal and often pass quickly.

• Incisions (cuts) may be covered with a bandage or dressing.

• Your child will be given pain medicine to stay comfortable. These may be given through an IV line.

• Monitors will be attached to your child. These check your child’s vital signs.

• When ready, your child will be given clear liquids after surgery. Then slowly, your child will be given solid foods and return to a normal diet.

• The surgeon will tell you if your child can go home or needs to stay longer in the hospital after surgery. If an overnight stay is needed, you’ll often be told ahead of time.

• You will receive discharge and home care directions when your child leaves the hospital. Be sure to follow these directions.

If your child gets sick before surgery

If your child gets a fever or a cold in the days before surgery, call the hospital or surgeon’s office and let them know. The surgery may need to be rescheduled.