Children

Children - Before your surgery

We understand that children are afraid and do not know what to expect, so Gateway Surgery Center takes great care to make each child’s visit to the surgical center as comfortable as possible.  Some families may elect to bring their children in for a preoperative tour of the ambulatory surgery center.

Prior to the day of Surgery.

The following instructions are very important and MUST be followed, otherwise it may be necessary to cancel your child’s surgery.

• We encourage you to discuss the surgery and anesthesia with your child before the day of surgery, to help alleviate extra stress.
• A pre-operative nurse will be calling you 24-48 hours prior to the day of surgery to review your child’s medical history, advise you of when you need to arrive at the surgical center, and answer any questions you may have.
• The pre-operative nurse will give you specific instructions regarding what your child may eat or drink the night before and morning of surgery.
• Inform all family members not to give your child food or drink after midnight
• The pre-operative nurse will discuss medication use with you.

Children - The Day of Your Surgery

Please follow these guidelines on the day of your child’s surgery:

• If your child does not feel well on the day of surgery, please call your doctor’s office, as well as the surgical center at (425) 374-5160, to determine whether the surgery may be cancelled. If after hours, kindly leave a message with the answering service.
• Do not let your child brush his or her teeth without parental supervision, to ensure they do not swallow water.  Remove all drinking glasses from the bathroom.  This is very important, because children are at risk for vomiting while under anesthesia.
• Your child should be dressed comfortably, and may wear their pajamas to the surgery center.
• Children may bring a favorite toy or blanket.
• Please leave your home in plenty of time to arrive at the time specified during your pre-operative phone call.  If you are going to be late, kindly call the surgical center at (425) 374-5160.
• You will have the opportunity to speak with the surgeon and anesthesiologist before your child’s surgery. 
• Please bring your child’s insurance card(s) and applicable copay.
• Consent for surgery must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. 
• At least one parent or legal guardian must remain the surgical center at all times.

Children - After your surgery

After surgery, in our fully equipped Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), commonly referred to as the Recovery Room, specially trained recovery room nurses will monitor and care for your child while he or she wakes up.  Once stable, in the recovery room, a family member may be with the child during the recovery phase.  The nursing staff and anesthesia team are highly sensitive to the individual needs of each child and family, and strive to make the child and parents as comfortable as possible.

Once home, please call YOUR SURGEON if your child experiences any of the following:

• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Excessive pain
• Any unexpected bleeding or drainage from the wound
• Extreme redness or swelling around the incision
• Pronounced skin rash
• Inability to urinate

A nurse will call you on the business day following your child’s surgery to check on his or her condition.  Always feel free to call your surgeon with questions or problems at any time after your child’s surgery.  At night or on weekends, the doctor’s answering service will have a doctor return your call.  Should an emergency arise, you should call your nearest emergency room department or 911.

Children - Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I help my child prepare for surgery?
• What can my child eat prior to surgery?
• Should I give my child his/her medication on the day of surgery?
• What should my child bring to the surgical center?
• How soon after surgery can I see my child?
• Will my child get an IV?
• Who is my child’s anesthesiologist?
• What if there is a complication during surgery?
• What if my child gets sick prior to the day of surgery?

How can I help prepare my child for surgery?
We encourage you to discuss the procedure and anesthesia with your child prior to surgery to ease anxiety about surgery. 

What if my child gets sick prior to the day of surgery?
If your child has a fever, symptoms of a cold, or other illness, call the surgeon and the surgical center, because your child’s surgery may need to be rescheduled. 

What can my child eat prior to surgery?
Your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

Should I give my child his/her medication on the day of surgery?
Your physician will direct you whether or not to take medications on the day of surgery.  This will also be discussed with a registered nurse from the surgery center during your pre-operative phone call. 

What should my child bring to the surgical center?
Comfort items, such as blankets  or a favorite toy are highly recommended.  It is a good idea to bring an extra set of underwear and pajamas.  We will supply the hospital gown that is used in the operating room.  Your child will be given a pair of surgical socks and a surgical cap to wear.  They may keep these if they wish.  

How soon after surgery can I see my child?
The operating room nurses will bring your child to the recovery room after surgery.  Your surgeon will speak to you after the surgery is performed.  As soon as your child is awake and stable,  the recovery room nurses will ask you to come in.  Due to privacy issues we generally ask that only one parent visit with the child at this time. 

Will my child get an IV?
Depending on the type of surgery scheduled, the anesthesiologist will determine whether or not an IV is required.  Most children undergoing anesthesia will require an IV.  Occasionally, the IV can be started after the child is asleep. 

Who is my child’s anesthesiologist?
Gateway Surgery Center is staffed a group of board certified Anesthesiologists.  You will be meeting your anesthesiologist in the pre-op holding area.

What if there is a complication during surgery?
Gateway Surgery Center is fully equipped with emergency equipment and supplies.  The surgical center utilizes the same anesthesia providers as the hospital.  The recovery room nurses are well trained and are ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified.  If necessary, once stabilized, your child will be transferred by ambulance to the hospital.