After Surgery
Know your child is in safe, compassionate hands right after surgery at Adventist HealthCare. Your loved one will continue to receive high-quality care to heal in the days and weeks ahead.
Recovery Room
After the procedure, your child’s care team will take him or her to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). There, nurses with specialized training will care for your child.
When Can I See My Child?
A nurse will tell you when your child’s surgery is over. You may then go into the recovery room. Only one adult can be in the recovery room at a time, but you can take turns with another adult.
Rely on your child’s surgeon to tell you how the procedure went and answer your questions.
How Will My Child Feel?
Your child may be irritable or fussy when they wake up. This is a normal side effect of anesthesia. Your child will drink clear liquids and may take medication to prevent pain.
What to Expect
If your child had an outpatient (same-day) surgery, you and your child will go home when the care team says it’s safe to leave.
Depending on your child’s procedure, condition or other factors, your child may be taken to an inpatient hospital room. Your child may stay at the hospital overnight or for a few days for care. You’ll be able to stay with your child and rest in a comfortable sleeping chair.
Leaving the Hospital
Discharge from the hospital means your child’s care team thinks it’s safe for your child to go home. Ask the care team:
- How to care for your child at home, including diet and medication instructions
- How long it will take your child to recover
- If your child needs follow-up visits
Call your child’s doctor if your child has:
- Drainage from the surgical wound
- Fever
- Redness or swelling
- Severe pain
