All visitors will have their health screened at the information security desk as they enter the hospital. Visitors with cold, flu, or other contagious illnesses may be asked to wear a mask. This helps protect our patients and is part of our hospital’s policy. You will receive a sticker at this time that must be worn while at the hospital.

Proceed to elevator #7 and go to the 4th floor check-in desk (“frog desk”). Food and beverages are not permitted in the waiting area out of respect for patients who cannot eat or drink before surgery. At the check-in (“frog desk”), you will receive a pager that will provide updates throughout your child’s surgery.

When it is time, you and your child will be escorted to the pre-operative area where you will meet the nurses, patient care technicians, child life specialists, anesthesia team, and surgical team who will prepare your child for surgery. Only two adults may accompany each child to the pre-operative area.

We will review your child’s height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. Your child will be asked to put on a hospital gown after removing all clothing, including underwear. Removing underwear is a standard for our operating rooms. Some children can lose control of their bladder under anesthesia. Underwear also may cause unwanted pressure points and irritation to skin during surgery. Although we are sensitive to each child’s situation, we ask for your cooperation to minimize any added stress to your child.

You will again meet the surgeon and discuss your child’s surgery or procedure. The surgical site may be marked with a felt-tip marker. You will be asked to sign a consent form if you have not done so already. This form states that you allow the surgeon to do the surgery. Before signing this form, be sure your questions regarding surgery have been answered. 

Before surgery, you will meet your child’s anesthesia team to discuss the anesthetic plan. Most children receive a general anesthetic so they do not move or feel any pain during surgery. Infants and younger children usually fall asleep by breathing the anesthetic through a facemask. Older children may fall asleep by getting the anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line. How your child goes to sleep will depend on what is the safest option.

After your child is asleep, a breathing tube may be placed in his or her airway. This is done to protect the airway, control breathing, and maintain sleep during surgery. The tube is usually removed at the end of surgery. An IV also may be inserted during surgery so that your child can receive fluids and medications. This will remain in place after surgery for as long as medically necessary.

When it is time for surgery, unless another plan is developed with the anesthesia provider, you and your child will separate in the pre-surgery area and he or she will be taken into the operating room. This is when you say “see you later!” 

During surgery, most parents and caregivers will be directed to the waiting area located in the main lobby on the 2nd floor.

At the end of the procedure, you will have an opportunity to speak to your child’s surgeon. During this time, your child will continue to remain under the care of the anesthesia team. Sometimes it may be more than one hour after you have consulted with the surgeon before you will see your child in the phase 1 recovery room.