Please read these important pre-operative instructions after scheduling your child's surgery.
Medicines and Supplements to Avoid
- Avoid aspirin, NSAIDS, and Ibuprofen products for 7-10 days before surgery. This includes but is not limited to Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Pediaprofen and Pepto-Bismol.
- Avoid multivitamins, Vitamin E products and herbal products for 10 days pre-op.
- Daily medications should be given and will be reviewed by your surgeon and the pre-admission nurse.
Call your surgeon if your child has a fever or flu-like symptoms occurring the week prior to surgery, or if your child has been exposed to anything contagious up to 3 weeks before surgery, e.g., chicken pox, impetigo, or lice.
Food and Drink
On the day of surgery, your child should not have anything to eat after midnight. This includes gum or hard candy. Clear fluids are allowed up to 2 hours before you child’s admission time, and include drinks like apple juice, water, Pedialyte, or Gatorade. If your child does eat food during this time, it will cause a delay in his/her surgery time and compromise his/her safety. To ensure you child’s safety in regards to anesthesia, it is important to follow these instructions.
Going to the Hospital
You may give your child a shower or bath the day before or day of surgery. Do not use any lotions, powders, hair gel or hair spray. Be sure hair is completely dry and free of gels or hairspray before going to the hospital.
Remove any jewelry, piercings, cosmetics or nail polish. This is all necessary to ensure the safest environment possible for your child. Please adhere to these guidelines.
Many children prefer their own pajamas or clothing. It is best to have your child wear loose fitting 2 piece clothing without “feet” attached. Avoid metal snaps, zippers or anything constricting. Pajamas may be worn. Older children and teens may wear loose fitting sweatpants, lounge pants or pajamas. Hospital gowns are also available for children to wear.
Security blankets, stuffed toys, or favorite small (non-electric) toys can accompany your child into the operating room. We want your child to feel comforted and as secure as possible.
For infants and babies, bring your child’s preferred formula and baby food for post-procedure. It is recommended to have at least 2 servings – children are often very hungry after not eating for several hours pre-procedure. There is no baby food or formula available on the ambulatory care unit because there are now so many different varieties – it is best to serve your baby what he or she likes best.
Finally, please make alternate child care plans for your other children for the day of surgery. The child who is having surgery will require your full attention, rooms have limited space and there are several areas where young children are not allowed for safety reasons. It is also in the best interest of your child and our patients to limit exposure to illnesses as much as possible.