A Note for Parents of Pediatric Patients

The following guidelines are intended to provide general information about a patient's procedure. These guidelines may differ for pediatric patients, depending on the child's age. Parents will receive specific instructions regarding dietary restrictions and arrival times for their child.

Preoperative Appointments

Prior to surgery, you may require preoperative tests and X-rays; therefore, your surgeon will schedule a registration time for you to meet a member of our staff to review information and help schedule any necessary tests to complete your registration process.

Arrival Time

You will be given an arrival time on the registration day, but one of our staff members might contact you the day before your procedure to confirm your arrival time. If your procedure is scheduled for a Monday, you will receive a call on the prior Friday.

Eating, Drinking and Smoking

Eat a light dinner the evening before your surgery. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not smoke, eat or drink any beverages (including water) after midnight prior to your surgery.

Medications

On the day of surgery, please bring a complete list of all medications you are currently taking. If your physician has advised you to take any medication, please do so with as little water as possible. If you are diabetic, do not take your insulin or oral medication the morning of surgery. Bring your insulin with you. Stop taking all aspirin and anti-inflammatory products (e.g., Motrin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, etc.) at least 7 days before your surgery. Tylenol is an acceptable alternative. Stop taking all herbal remedies and high doses of Vitamin E at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. If you use an inhaler, remember to bring it with you.

Anesthesia Services

We offer a complete range of anesthesia services provided by board-certified and board-eligible physicians and specially trained nurses. You will have an opportunity to meet your anesthesiologist prior to surgery to have all of your questions answered and to participate in developing your care plan.

In the Operating Room

You are the most important person in the operating room. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. If you have questions or concerns, please ask your nurse. When you arrive in the operating room, the lights may seem bright and the temperature cool. Warm blankets are available.

After Your Surgery

Recovery time is highly individualized. Your nurse will let you know when you are medically ready to leave the Center and will review your home-going instructions and medications with you. We will give you a copy of all the information reviewed.

Going Home

You must make arrangements to have another person drive you home if you have had any medication that might make you drowsy. We may cancel your surgery if you do not have someone to take you home. It also is important that you have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery, just in case you need any assistance. Should you have any questions about your discharge instructions or recovery, please call the center.