Preparing Your Child for Surgery

The surgery healthcare team at Willis-Knighton is looking forward to your visit.

Checklist for Your Child’s Surgery

• Prepare your child using words he or she will understand when you talk with your child about the surgery. This will help your child understand the reason for the surgery and the visit to the hospital. Encourage your child to ask you and the doctor if he or she has questions.
• Tell the surgeon if your child is taking any aspirin or ibuprofen. The physician may want you to stop giving these medications for up to two weeks before surgery.
• Report to the surgeon or nurse if your child becomes sick with cold symptoms, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea within two (2) days of surgery.
• If lab tests are ordered prior to surgery, please go to the hospital laboratory.
• NPO Be sure to follow the eating and drinking restrictions. Food or liquids in your child’s stomach can cause choking or vomiting during the procedure.
• Remember to bring the child’s insurance card, your ID and any payments required to the hospital.
• Bring a list of ALL medications your child takes, including over-the-counter and herbal medications.
• Dress your child in comfortable clothes and bring a favorite blanket or stuffed toy to help your child be more relaxed.  Have a pillow and blanket in the car for the ride home.
• Leave home early and arrive at your scheduled time.
• Turn onto hospital drive and proceed to the hospital entrance.
• For Willis-Knighton South & the Center for Women’s Health, turn onto hospital drive and proceed to the hospital entrance.   Your driver can drop you and your child there to register while the car is parked.