Day of Surgery
On the day of your child’s surgery, feel confident your child will receive skilled care from the experts at Adventist HealthCare.
At the Hospital
If your child is having an outpatient, or same-day, procedure, your child’s care team will tell you what time to arrive at the healthcare facility. Your child should:
- Leave valuables at home.
- Remove any jewelry from body piercings.
- Wear casual, comfortable clothing that’s easy to change.
- Follow other instructions about preparing for surgery.
What to Bring
Your child’s care team may recommend you bring:
- Your child's History & Physical (H&P) form
- Your insurance card
- Comfort items such as a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, pacifier or toy
- Diapers, slippers, a sippy cup or bottle if your child uses them
- Books or magazines to read while your child sleeps
If your child breastfeeds or uses formula, ask your child’s care team for special instructions.
Who to Bring
You should arrive and stay with your child if he or she is 18 years old or younger. Bring proof of legal guardianship if you aren’t your child’s biological or legal parent.
Bring no more than one other family member and don’t bring other children under age 12 to the hospital. If you have a cold, fever or other signs of an infection, someone else should take your child.
Waiting Room
Spend time together before the procedure enjoying our colorful waiting room with toys and a play area.
Preoperative Care
You’ll stay with your child while a nurse checks his or her vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure. Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has a cold, fever or other signs of an infection. Your child will change into a hospital gown, a loose piece of clothing worn during surgery.
Can I Stay with My Child During Surgery?
Depending on your child’s procedure and age, you or a loved one can go with your child into the operating room (OR). You won’t be able to go into the OR if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If your child has general anesthesia, you can stay until your child breathes in the medicine and goes to sleep. During the procedure, rely on your child’s care team to update you.
Pediatric Anesthesia Specialists
If your child needs anesthesia, trust our pediatric anesthesiologists to provide a safe and effective dose and watch your child throughout surgery. Anesthesia is medicine that prevents pain. Your child may have:
- Local or regional anesthesia – Numbs a part of the body
- General anesthesia – Causes you to fall asleep and not be aware of or remember surgery
If your child has general anesthesia, they may choose chocolate- or bubblegum-flavored.
Will My Child Need an IV?
An intravenous (IV) line can give your child medication and fluids before and during surgery. If your child’s doctor recommends an IV, where it’s placed depends on the child’s age. Ask your child’s doctor if he or she will place the IV before or during surgery.
Support for Parents
It’s normal to feel nervous or scared when your child is having surgery. Help your child feel safe by being positive. Rely on our team for support.
After Surgery
Your child will be taken to a recovery room for care after surgery.
