The Outpatient Surgery Center at Northwest Hospital is specially equipped to provide a caring, comfortable environment for children, from age two to 18, who require surgery. The relaxed environment reassures your child while meeting all of their physical and emotional needs. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons and pediatric anesthesiologists are committed to making the hospital experience as pleasant and as painless as possible for your child. The following guidelines should be followed in preparing you and your child for outpatient surgery.
Before Surgery
Although your doctor has scheduled your child’s surgery and discussed it with you, Center staff will provide you with additional information. A nurse will attempt to contact you at least 24 hours before the procedure to answer any questions and verify necessary information.
Outpatient Testing
Most pediatric procedures do not require lab testing prior to anesthesia. Any lab requirements will be discussed with your child’s anesthesiologist in the days before surgery. If any tests are needed, they can most likely be performed at Northwest. Testing, including bloodwork, urinalyses, X-rays or EKGs, may be required before your procedure.
Food and Drink
Your child’s physician will provide specific guidelines regarding food and drink restrictions prior to surgery. If you have any questions, please call the Outpatient Surgery Center (410-521-5940), or your physician the days prior to surgery.
Medications
If your child takes any medications, including over-the-counter pills and diet or herbal products, contact your doctor the day before surgery. Specific instructions often must be followed regarding medications. Please bring a complete list of your child’s medications, including dosage and frequency, to the hospital on the day of the procedure.
Precautions Against Infection
If your child will have an incision, he or she should bathe or shower with antibacterial soap for three consecutive days before surgery. Your child should take a bath or shower the night before surgery. These precautions decrease any likelihood of infection following surgery.
The Day of Surgery
What to Bring
Please bring all health insurance cards for your child. A favorite toy or blanket may help your child feel more comfortable. The center provides soda and water, but if your child is drinking formula or prefers another drink, please bring that drink with you.
Proper Dress for the Operating Room
Your child should dress comfortably and wear loose clothing. Your child will wear a hospital gown during the procedure and may be asked to remove certain items such as eyeglasses, contact lenses or prosthetic devices.
Following Surgery
Anesthesia Recovery
If your child has received local anesthesia, he or she typically will go home immediately following the procedure. If general, IV sedation, IV general, spinal, regional or epidural anesthesia was administered, your child will spend one to two hours in the recovery room, where nurses will monitor blood pressure, respiration and pulse.
Visitors
Parents and guardians will be reunited with their children as quickly as possible following the procedure. Visitors cannot be accommodated in the recovery room and are asked to remain in nearby waiting areas.
Instructions for Care
Before leaving the hospital, you will receive instruction for your child’s postoperative care, including a list of acceptable medications and daily activities.
For More Information
To learn more about the Outpatient Center and your child’s surgery, or to tour the facility, call 410-521-5940 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
