Surgery, Day
How can I prepare my child for surgery?
The Day Surgery Unit in Lexington offers individual tours of the pre-operative process for you and your child. To schedule a tour, please call 781-672-2300. Siblings are welcome as well.
Can my child have anything to eat or drink before surgery?
No. General anesthesia is safest when given on an empty stomach. Surgery is likely to be canceled or postponed if the dietary guidelines are not followed. Children sometimes don't understand why they cannot have breakfast or something to drink if they are thirsty. While we are sensitive to this problem, we cannot stress enough the importance of the dietary restrictions. Please do not give your child ice chips, hard candy, gum or lollipops. For more information, please consult our day surgery instructions.
Are there things that I should notify the staff or my surgeon about?
Yes. If your child develops a cough, fever, chest cold or has an asthma attack within three days of scheduled surgery, you should call the department and let us know. If your child has been exposed to measles, mumps or chicken pox in the 21 days before surgery, please notify us as soon as you become aware of the exposure. Your child's surgery may need to be rescheduled so that other children are not at risk of catching these diseases.
I am the child's grandparent/legal guardian. May I consent for his or her surgery?
Only parents or legal guardians with proof of guardianship may give consent. Grandparents who are not legal guardians may not. If you are a foster parent or not the legal guardian please bring the phone number of the social worker or parent so that we may obtain telephone consent. We cannot proceed with surgery on a child if consent has not been obtained.
Why must we arrive at Boston Children's Hospital at Lexington1 hour before surgery?
Preparations for surgery must be thorough. It takes at least 60 minutes for registration, blood tests (when necessary) and examinations by the doctors and nurses who care for your child.
Where do I go when I arrive at Children's at Lexington?
As you enter the building, you will go through 3 sets of double doors. Your will find the Ambulatory Surgery entrance on your left.
How much time can I spend with my child?
You can be with your child at all times prior to surgery. Boston Children's Hospital has an active Parent Present Induction program. When appropriate for your child's condition, one parent may be permitted, by the anesthesiologist, to enter the Operating Room to stay with your child during the start of anesthesia. Once your child is asleep, you will be escorted to the Waiting Room where the surgeon will meet you after the operation is completed. If you are pregnant, please notify the nurse or anesthesiologist. As your child wakes, you will be given an opportunity to join him in the Recovery Room. Before you leave, the nurses will give you instructions on postoperative care and answer any questions.
Will I have to wear special clothes?
You will be asked to put on a yellow gown over your street clothes and a surgical hat. Because the attire is strange, it can sometimes be frightening for a child. We encourage parents to put the gown on in front of their child and then reassure the child that you will only be dressed like this for a short period of time.
How will I care for my child at home?
Most of the operations performed in Day Surgery require very little physical care other than an occasional dressing change (new bandages). You may take your child home when he is stable and you are comfortable with the care required. Most children stay one to two hours after surgery. Quiet activities at home such as reading books or watching a movie will be beneficial to your child's recovery. Most children can return to their regular activities the next day.
What if I have questions once we get home?
You will be given the telephone numbers of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist on call. You may call these numbers if you have any questions. The morning after surgery, a nurse will call you to find out how you and your child are doing.
For more information, view our general Parents in the OR page or call Children's at Lexington Day Surgery Unit at 781-672-2300 and ask to speak with a nurse.
