Preoperative Instructions-Pediatric

Our physicians and nurses understand that surgery can be frightening to both parent and child.  Rest assured that your child will be attended at all times and cared for by skilled professionals.  After surgery, all of our pediatric patients are brought to the Phase I Post Anesthesia Care Unit for their recovery period until they awaken.  We allow children to wake up naturally after anesthesia, and this Phase I recovery period may be as long as one hour.  As soon as your child awakens, you will be permitted to stay with him/her.

A Parent or Legal Guardian must remain inside the building during the child's entire stay at the Surgical Pavilion.

• Please bring your child's favorite drinking cup or bottle and a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or cuddly if he/she has one.
• If your child is 5 or younger, be sure the transportation vehicle has a child's car seat.
• We would like to give your child a balloon at discharge. If you prefer that we not do this, please let us know.
• For your child's safety during anesthesia, his or her stomach must be empty for a period of time prior to surgery. Please do not allow your child to eat or drink anything after midnight of the day of surgery, unless instructed differently by one of our nurses during your pre-admission visit or phone call.
• If you and your child are unable to pre-admit, please call us at 352-333-4555 so that one of our staff may provide you with the information you will need about your child's surgery and to answer any questions you may have.