Children

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 state of the art 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.