Your child has been scheduled for surgery at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center/Mercy Children's Hospital on (date):_____________________________________________

Please arrive at the Surgery Center by (time): ________________________________

Please pull into the emergency room parking lot, free valet parking is provided for the patient having surgery that day. When you arrive, please enter through the Surgical Center entrance into the Surgical Family Waiting Room. You will be greeted by one of our Information Receptionists. You and your child will be directed to the preoperative area. Later, you will be directed to wait in the family waiting room while your child is having surgery. Please remember to let the receptionist know if you leave the family waiting room. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the Medical Center.

Important Information Before Surgery

Children must have an empty stomach to receive anesthesia. Surgery can be cancelled or delayed if your child eats or drinks after the specified time.

Your child may not EAT anything after:________________________________________

Your child may have clear liquids until:_________________________________________

Acceptable clear liquids are apple juice, water and Pedialyte for infants. AFTER this time nothing to eat or drink is permitted.

Shower or bathe your child the evening before surgery. Make-up, nail polish, contact lenses, earrings or other jewelry should be removed at home.

All aspirin and aspirin products must be stopped 10 days prior to surgery, this also includes Motrin, Advil,(ibuprofen). However, it is okay for children to take Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Dress your child in pajamas or loose fitting clothing. This will make getting dressed to go home much easier.

Please bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket for your child. Please label any belongings.

The following illnesses should be reported to the nurses at Pediatric Surgery Associates:

Cold or flu symptoms
Fever
Wheezing
Exposures (such as chicken pox)
Croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia
Any other signs or symptoms of infection which mayor may not already be under treatment (such as ear infection, sinusitis, pink-eye, etc.)

Surgery may need to be postponed until your child has received medical treatment or has recovered from the illness. We will be happy to answer any questions.

Please make other child care arrangements for other brothers and sisters. Your child will want your undivided attention on this day.

Parents Present for Induction is a program for the pediatric patient 18 months of age or older who has no outstanding health issues. This program encourages one parent to be present while the child undergoes the very beginning stages of anesthesia. This process has proven to be a comfort for both the child and the parent involved. We will give you the option of participating in this program at your pre-op appointment or anytime prior to your child's scheduled surgery date. Please call the Pediatric Surgery Associates and speak to one of the nurses at 419.251.4300 or toll free at 1-888-KID-SURG.

After Surgery

After surgery, your child will be transported to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), for close observation and care. Your child may awaken quickly or sleep for what seems to be a long time. As soon as your child is awake, you will be able to stay with him or her.

Your child may be attached to a heart and respiratory monitors, and may have a blood pressure cuff and an IV in place.

During recovery , your child may experience some of the side effects of anesthesia and surgery which include:

Face and upper body flushing
Nausea and vomiting
Sore muscles
Short memory lapse
Mood changes and irritability
Dry or sore throat
Blurred vision, dizziness
Funny taste in the mouth
Sleepiness and unsteady

Your child will be given pain medicine as needed. They may be asked to rate their pain with some type of pain scale. Pain medicine may be given IV or sometimes by mouth. The doctors and nurses will keep your child as comfortable as possible.

Children undergoing outpatient surgery will be offered clear liquids, may be able to watch a video and can be held by their parents as soon as possible. The monitors and IV will be discontinued as soon as the recovery room nurses feel it is best. Children remain in the recovery room at least one hour or more before discharge. The pediatric surgery nurse will give you any special discharge instructions or prescriptions if they are needed.

Children being admitted after surgery to the Mercy Children's Hospital can also be visited in the recovery room under most circumstances. Parents can then visit them after they are transported to the Pediatric Unit. Visiting hours are flexible, and the patient care is family focused. We encourage parents to help with many of the aspects of your child's care. You may room-in with your child if desired on the general pediatric unit and sleeping arrangements will be made for you if your child is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

If you have any further Questions or concerns please call us at 419.251.4300 or toll free at 1-888-KID-SURG.

This information is provided by the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center/Mercy Children's Hospital, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.