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What to Expect...

Our Patients are Special

Surgery can be a fearful time for children - especially when they don't know what to expect.  We encourage you to talk to your child before the day of surgery to discuss what will happen and alleviate their fears.  At Children's West Surgery Center, we meet the special needs of our patients by creating a relaxed, comfortable environment. To make children feel more at ease we encourage them to bring along a favorite toy or blanket. Older patents may want to bring along a book, personal CD player with ear phones or small hand-held game to occupy their pre-op waiting time. Also, we have video players with "child-friendly" movies/videos available for use while at our Center.

The Day Before Surgery
The Day of Surgery
Concerning Anesthesia for Children
The Day After Surgery 
(click one of the above links for a downloadable version)


The Day Before Surgery

1.  If there is any change in your child’s condition such as a cold or fever, please be sure to notify your practitioner.

2.  Expect us to call you!  A nurse from Children’s West Surgery Center will call you the day before your child’s scheduled surgery (Friday for Monday’s schedule) to ask you about your child’s basic medical history, confirm your arrival time, and answer any questions you have.  Be sure to let us know if there are any special needs.  If you have not heard from us by 3:00 pm, call us at 865-560-0303 for specific instructions.

3.  If your child is taking any medication, ask your child’s practitioner or the nurse whether or not to take it the day of surgery.   We recommend that you NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) 2 weeks prior to surgery.  Tylenol may be given.

4.  If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, please bring the case for their safekeeping.

5.  Important information on eating and drinking – 
   a. Solid food – nothing after midnight
   b. Formula or milk – is allowed until 6 hours prior to arrival time at the Center
   c. Breast milk – is allowed until 4 hours prior to arrival time. 
   d. Clear liquids, such as water, Pedialyte, apple juice, popsicles, Kool-aid are allowed until 2 hours prior to arrival time.  
   e. Unless otherwise instructed by your practitioner, medications may be taken with a sip of water up to 2 hours prior to arrival.  Make sure you instruct the nursing staff of any medication given. 
   f. Inhalers for asthma may be given at any time.  

6.  Make sure you bring some items your child may need.  These items may include an empty bottle, formula, sippie cup, diapers, additional pair of underwear, and change of clothing.

7.  We give all children who have an IV access medication to prevent nausea.  However, sometimes the motion of the car may make children nauseated.  Prepare for this possibility.



The Day of Surgery

  2. 1.  Dress your child in comfortable, loose fitting clothing.  He/she may wear pajamas if they so desire.
  3.  
  4. 2.  If your child wears glasses, contacts, hearing aids, or dental appliances, please bring a case for safekeeping.
  5.  
  6. 3.  We welcome both parents, if available.  Please limit the number of people who come with you and your child.
  7.  
  8. 4.  If you are unable to arrive at the scheduled time, please call 865-560-0303 so provisional plans can be made.
  9.  
  10. 5.  After arrival, more than once, you will be asked to confirm the last time your child had food and/or liquids.  For your child’s safety, it is very important that you follow directions given about eating and drinking.
  11.  
  12. 6.  Your child will be asked to change into a gown.  Occasionally, a child does not want to do this.  We will be flexible.
  13.  
  14. 7.  Your child will be examined by a pediatric anesthesiologist to obtain anesthesia history, explain individualized care for your child, and answer any questions.
  16. 8.  Approximately 20 to 30 minutes before your child goes to the OR, they may be asked to drink a small amount of liquid medication ("happy juice") which will help your child relax. (This is for children 1 year old and older).


Anesthesia for Children



1.  Your child will begin his/her anesthetic by breathing into a mask.  Younger patients will go to sleep quickly.  After they are asleep, an IV will be started, if required. 

2.  Older patients may have some “numbing” cream applied to 2 potential IV sites if an IV is required.

3.  Your child’s operation will begin soon after the anesthesia has taken effect.  

4.  When your child’s operation is complete, he/she will be taken to the Recovery Room (sometimes called Post Anestesia Care Area).  There will be one nurse who will only be caring for your child.  The nurse will monitor your child as he/she awakens.  

5.  After your child’s operation is completed, the practitioner will speak with the designated care provider(s) who accompanied the child to the Center.

6.  As your child begins to awaken, he/she will be transferred to the Phase 2 (stepdown) area.  This will be a small private room where you can join your child.


 

After Surgery

1.  In the Stepdown area, your child will be monitored by nursing staff members.  Your child will be encouraged to drink liquids and/or eat a Popsicle.  Pain medication will be given as needed.

2.  The anesthesiologist who assessed your child prior to surgery will be seeing your child again prior to discharge.  He/she will determine when it is safe for your child to be discharged home.

3.  When it is time to go home, your child will change back into his/her clothing.
  2. 4.  Older teens and young adults must have an escort to drive you home.  A patient will not be allowed to drive the day of surgery. 
  4. 5.  You will receive detailed oral and written discharge instructions from a nurse.  Please refer to these if you have questions.  It will contain information about the last time your child had medication and the time for the next dose.  These instructions will also have your practitioner’s contact information.
  6. 6.  Children should have a quiet activity, as tolerated.  They may be sleepy and dizzy.  They should not be left unsupervised and should not engage in activities where they may stumble or fall.  (No bicycle riding, for example)
  8. 7.  Recovery at home has many advantages:  it is more comfortable to be in familiar surroundings; it reduces complications; it permits you to be with family members and loved ones; and it allows you to return to your normal activities more rapidly.
  10. 8.  Please call your practitioner or the Center if you have any questions or problems.  Your practitioner will advise you about making a post-operative follow-up visit.
  12. 9.  You will receive a phone call from a Children’s West Surgery Center to see how your child is progressing after he/she has gone home.
  14. 10.  You are encouraged to complete and return the Patient Satisfaction Survey if one was given to you prior to leaving the Center.
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