Pre-Op Instructions

IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS, A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION COULD ARISE AND MAY LEAD TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR PROCEDURE

• Plan to arrive at the Center ONE HOUR BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED SURGERY TIME (this will be confirmed in a phone call from the Center the day before your surgery).
• A PARENT MUST STAY AT THE CENTER AT ALL TIMES THE CHILD IS BEING CARE FOR AT THE SURGERY CENTER.
• ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.
• NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, INCLUDING water, gum, hard candy or cough drops.
• For surgery scheduled after 12 noon, you may have 8 ounces of CLEAR liquids before 8am.

• You may brush your child’s teeth, but do NOT allow them to swallow any liquid.
• A Center nurse will call you the day before surgery to give you further instructions and to tell you whether to take any medications the morning of surgery. If you have any questions, call the Center between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. one or more days before your procedure.
• Leave all jewelry (including all piercings) and valuables at home:  The Center is unable to store them.  THE CENTER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS.
• Be aware that if your child’s condition requires additional care, arrangements will be made to transfer you to a local hospital.
• Items to bring the day of surgery  
• Your child’s medical insurance cards
• Your picture ID
• If your child is a foster child or adopted, you will need to provide documentation of this upon arrival at the center. This would include any court paperwork issued to you.
• A toy, doll, lovey or blanket that makes your child feel secure in their surroundings
• A favorite DVD or movie for the child to watch upon coming into the surgery center.
• A book or laptop for yourself while your child is in surgery since it is a state requirement that one parent stay on-site at all times while the child is in the facility.
• PLEASE REMEMBER- make all arrangements possible to keep any other children at home during the time your child needs to have her procedure. It is often difficult for other children to sit in one place.