Preparing Your Child for Surgery

Before Your Child’s Surgery

As you prepare for your child’s surgery, our team is here with the information and tools you need to feel prepared and confident. From questions about your child’s health to packing tips, you’ll find guidance to help you get ready for surgery day.

Pre-Testing

Most healthy children do not need lab work or other tests before surgery, but in some cases, your child’s doctor may recommend pre-operative testing based on their medical history or the type of procedure.

If testing is needed, it’s best to complete it as early as possible. Check with your child’s provider to find out what’s required and when testing should be done.

Pre-Registration

A few days before your child’s surgery, a nursing coordinator will call you to complete the pre-registration process. This is your chance to share important details about your child’s health so we can provide the best possible care.

During the call, you may be asked about:

• Allergies
• Current medications
• Family or social history
• Height and weight
• Ongoing health concerns
• Past surgeries

Taking Your Pre-Op Tour

Help your child feel more comfortable with a tour of our facility before surgery. This experience helps your child become familiar with the environment and better understand what to expect on the day of their procedure.

Learn About Tours

What to Do the Day Before Surgery

The day before your child’s procedure is an important time to prepare both your child and your family. Here’s how to get ready for surgery:

• Make sure your child takes a bath or shower before bed
• Monitor your child for cold or flu symptoms. If they develop symptoms or are exposed to illnesses, contact your doctor’s office as your child’s surgery may need to be rescheduled
• Remove jewelry and body piercings and leave valuables at home

Here are a few helpful items to pack the day before:

• Contact lenses, glasses, cases or solution
• Comfort item to take to the hospital, like a special blanket or stuffed animal. Children are allowed to bring comfort items to the operating room
• Any special bottle, cup or formula
• Pillow or blanket for the car trip home
• Important papers, like insurance and guardianship documents

The Day of Your Child’s Operation

It’s normal for both you and your child to feel nervous on surgery day. Preparing ahead can help your child feel more secure and supported. Here are a few things to know that will help the day go as smoothly as possible:

• Your provider’s office will call you prior to your child’s surgery with an arrival time and fasting information. Please follow these instructions.
• Upon arrival, you will check in at the main admitting desk on the first floor. There are Mission Partners who can help guide you in the right direction.
• A parent/legal guardian needs to remain in the waiting room during the child’s procedure.
• Please limit the number of visitors. No visitor under the age of 18 is allowed in the pre-operative area.
• Please bring all necessary documents and items collected the day before.
• Make sure your child dresses in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. Consider making it a pajama day.
• The temperature at the hospital can be cool. Be prepared and dress accordingly for your own comfort.

Make sure to take care of yourself, too. Try to eat or drink something during your child’s surgery but try not to do this in front of your child.

Our child life specialists are available to support you and your child throughout the day of the procedure, helping to reduce stress and answer questions.

Care in the Hospital After Procedure

Your child’s doctor will speak with you in a private consult room once the procedure is finished. You will have time to talk through any questions or concerns you may have.

After the procedure, your child will go to the recovery room. One parent or legal guardian is allowed to stay at the bedside during recovery. A nurse in the post-operative area will provide you with instructions on how to properly take care of your child at home. Instructions may include what time to give your child medications, diet recommendations or if any follow-up care is needed.

Helpful Hints for Your Child

There are many ways to help prepare your child for surgery, depending on their age and development. Here are some simple ways you can help them feel more confident and comfortable:

• Provide simple explanations of what the surgery will correct.
• Explain where on the body the operation will take place.
• Answer your child's questions honestly and age appropriately.
• Encourage your child to bring their favorite object (stuffed animal, blanket, etc.).
• Explain to your child that they will be asleep during surgery because of a special sleep medicine.
• Let your child know it's okay to talk about their feelings. "It's okay to be scared."
• Read books to your child about hospitalization.
• Give your child a role: "Your job is to eat popsicles after your surgery."
• Give your child something to look forward to after their surgical experience, such as playing a favorite game together or watching a movie.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and express their feelings to medical staff.

Avoid Doing These Things

While preparing your child for surgery, it’s just as important to be mindful of what not to say or do. Here are a few ideas of things to avoid and some helpful alternatives to keep your child feeling safe and reassured:

• Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Children depend on your words.
• Avoid bribing. Your love, support and honesty are the most important things right now.
• Be careful with certain words. Here are some better ways to explain things:
  • Avoid saying "put you to sleep." This can be confusing or scary, especially if a child has heard it used about a pet.
    Instead, say: “The sleep doctor will give you special medicine to help you take a deep sleep during the surgery.”
  • Avoid using words like "cut," "slice" or "make a hole." These words can sound frightening.
    Instead, say: “The doctor will make a small opening to help fix your body.”
  • Avoid saying "gas." Children might think of gasoline.
    Instead, say: “You’ll get a special medicine that helps you fall asleep for the surgery.”