When your child needs surgery, it can be a stressful and emotional event for not only the patient, but for the whole family. It helps to know what to expect before, during and after surgery so you, your child and your family feel more prepared.
The surgery teams at Texas Children’s work to make your child’s surgery experience safe and as comfortable as possible. Below are videos, guides and a timeline to help you and your family learn what to expect when having surgery at Texas Children’s.
Surgery Guides
Pre-Surgery Instruction Guide
The guides below are given to families in our clinics when a surgery may be planned. Families may also receive guide this by email.
In the weeks before your child's surgery, make sure all testing and clinic visits needed for surgery are complete. Many patients visit the PASS (Pediatric Anesthesia Screening Service) Clinic to make sure they are healthy enough for surgery.
On the day of surgery, only the child having surgery and 2 caregivers over 18 years of age are allowed in the surgery waiting areas. Make childcare arrangements for any other children in your family. Children cannot be unaccompanied in any of our waiting areas.
Two business days before surgery
One to two days before surgery you will receive a phone call from Texas Children's informing you of your arrival time for surgery. This call could come anytime from 9 am to 3 pm. Please call your surgeon's office if you have questions or have not received a call by 3 pm, the day before your child's surgery.
The day before surgery
It is important to follow the correct eating and drinking instructions to prepare your child for surgery. Your child must have an empty stomach before receiving anesthesia to prevent choking or vomiting during the procedure. Clear liquids like water can be given until arrival time to help with hunger and hydration. If the proper eating and drinking instructions are not followed, your child's surgery may be delayed or canceled.
It is important that your child have an empty stomach to receive anesthesia for surgery. If there is food or liquid in your child's stomach, it can cause choking or vomiting during surgery. Make sure that your child does not sneak snacks after the food and drink cutoff times. If your child does not follow these rules, surgery may be canceled or delayed.
STOP Food8 hours before your arrival time
STOP Milk and Formula6 hours before your arrival time
STOP Breast Milk 4 hours before your arrival time
STOP Clear Liquids at arrival time
Clear liquids include: water, Pedialyte®, Sprite® or 7-Up®, apple juice (no orange juice)
Continue taking all prescribed medications prior to surgery unless otherwise specified
If your child has a contagious disease such as chicken pox or measles or recently has been around someone with a contagious disease, we must know before you come to Texas Children's for surgery.
Please call us at 832-824-5703 or 832-824-5712. This information will help us protect other patients from highly contagious illnesses.
On the day of surgery, make sure to arrive at the time given to you over the phone by your surgeon's office. When you arrive, check in at your Surgery Reception location.
Age-specific guidelines to help your child cope with a surgery experience
When preparing your child for surgery, it is important to provide age appropriate information to alleviate misconceptions and minimize fears or possible feelings of guilt. It is also important to help your child understand the reasons for their necessary surgery and familiarize them with the surgery process.
Help your child learn what to expect.
Use simple words to prepare your child for surgery so they may understand the purpose for coming to the hospital.
Be honest with your child to encourage a trusting relationship.
Ask your child how they feel about their upcoming surgery to foster open communication. This will help address any possible fears or misconceptions regarding their surgery.
Encourage your child to ask questions to you or their doctor to give them a sense of empowerment and control.
Support your child with your presence, gentle voice, and touch to help reduce anxiety.
Allow your child to choose a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, toy or comfort item to bring and keep with them throughout the procedure.
Because infants are unable understand the reason for not eating or drinking before a sedated procedure, these are suggested ways you can help them cope with the wait:
