Surgical Guide for Parents
PRE-OPERATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Prior to surgery, there are several pre-operative appointments, tests, and forms that need to be completed; otherwise, it may be necessary to postpone surgery.
These items include:
• A pre-surgery COVID-19 test
• Pre-operative appointment
• Pre-anesthesia history form
• Pre-operative fees or co-pays
You will receive a call one to two days before the surgery to confirm the exact day and time.
THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR CHILD’S SURGERY
It is important to take these steps the night before your child’s surgery.
• Answer your child’s questions. Let them know that surgery is a way to feel better.
• Make necessary work adjustments and childcare plans for any other children.
• Bathe your child with soap and water, and wash their hair with shampoo. Do not use moisturizers, oils, lotions, powder, ointments, nail polish, or makeup. Dress your child in clean, loose clothing or pajamas.
• All jewelry, including piercings, and body jewelry, should be removed and left at home.
• Comfort items, such as blankets and toys, should be washed and sanitized the night before surgery. Allow your child to make some choices, this will help them prepare for the trip to the surgical center.
• Any symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory tract infection should be reported immediately to the surgical staff by phone.
EATING AND DRINKING RULES
Please do not put your child’s health at risk. Follow these rules the night prior to surgery and the day of surgery.
• The night before surgery, stop all food, breast milk, formulas, or store-bought milk after midnight.
• No eating on the day of surgery! No breast milk, formulas, store-bought milk, soups, or broth.
Unless noted otherwise, your child may only have clear liquids, such as water, apple juice, Pedialyte or Gatorade, white grape juice, clear sodas (7up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale), up to 4 hours prior to surgery or past the time noted on your child’s Surgery Information Sheet.
ARRIVING FOR SURGERY
It is important that you arrive 90 minutes in advance of the scheduled surgical time, to avoid delays or rescheduling.
• A legal guardian must sign the consent for surgery or surgery may not be performed.
• Please have your insurance card, photo I.D., and any paperwork provided by your child’s physician.
• Bring a list of your child’s medicines and dosages, including over-the-counter medicine, supplements or herbs.
• Your child will be given an I.D. band and you will be asked to verify this information.
DURING THE SURGERY
During the surgery, patient families should stay in the surgical waiting room until the surgeon is available for questions or updates.
Sometimes surgeries may not begin on-time due to unrelated delays and this information may need to be communicated. Please use this time to make a list of questions for the surgeon after the surgery.
AFTER THE SURGERY
It is OK to have questions about your child’s surgical and post-operative care. Your child’s surgeon will answer these questions and your nurse will write down instructions for your child’s care at home.
GOING HOME
Your child can go home when comfortable, able to drink normally, and when all your questions have been answered. A staff member will help your child to your vehicle.
PATIENT AND PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You should know your child’s rights as a patient and your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
Here’s a summary of those rights:
• Respect, emotional support, and privacy for health information
• Access to resources for your child’s care
• Details about your child’s care that you understand
• Conversation with your child’s doctor
• Understanding your child’s illness or injury and how we plan to treat them
• Freedom from abuse
• The steps to handle complaints
YOUR CHILD’S SURGEON OR PHYSICIAN MAY BE PART OWNER OF THE SURGICAL CENTER.
