Preparing Your Child for Surgery

Talk to your child about what to expect from surgery

Your child will likely have concerns when they learn they need surgery. It's important to address their feelings and to talk openly about what they can expect. This will help them prepare mentally and emotionally to make the day of surgery go as smoothly as possible.

• Be honest: It’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. If your child asks a question you don’t have an answer to, tell them you don’t know, but will find out. If your child asks if surgery will cause pain, tell them where it might hurt and for how long.
• Use familiar words: For younger children, use non-threatening words your child understands. For example, say "sore" instead of "painful." When describing an "anesthesiologist," you might say "sleep doctor" or "small opening" instead of "incision." Older children, however, may want you to explain things in a more straightforward manner.
• Talk about how the operation will help your child: Let your child know how they will feel better after surgery. If they are worried about things like sports, activities or school events, let them know that those things can be scheduled around their needs while they recover.
• Explain why: Make sure your child understands why they need their surgery, what the doctors and nurses will do and that it's OK to be scared. Make sure they understand that the hospital stay is temporary.
• Talk about who you'll meet: Talk about the types of healthcare professionals they might meet during their visit (like doctors, nurses and therapists) and explain that these people are there to make sure they get better.
• Explain how they may feel: Discuss how your child might feel during the stay, like being tired, having an upset stomach, feeling pain or other changes.
• Talk about what hospitals are like: Many children find it reassuring to talk about the similarities between the hospital and home. For kids with a longer hospital stay, you can explain that there will be regular meals, chances to play and a private room.
• Talk about other patients: Talk about some of the other children your child may meet. It can be unsettling to see people who are sick but remind your child that other kids at the hospital are there to get better too. You can explain that other kids who are there like to play and laugh just like they do.
• Read books that help: Pick up a few books from the Family Health Library or your local bookstore or library that talk about going to the hospital and read them together. Some of our favorites include "Curious George Goes to the Hospital" and "This is a Hospital, Not a Zoo!"
• Tell your child you’ll be with them at the hospital and will take them home afterward: One of the biggest fears children have is being alone, but you can reassure your child that you’ll be there.

Take a surgery preparation tour with your child

The pre-surgery tour at Children's Colorado will help you and your child envision what the day of the operation will be like. Many parents and children believe the tour is the best way to understand what happens before, during and after the operation. Knowing what to expect can help kids and families feel calmer and more relaxed on the day of the procedure.

Child life specialists lead our pre-surgery tours. Child life specialists excel at discussing the surgery with your child in a non-threatening and age-appropriate manner. These experts are sensitive to your child's needs and work hard to make the hospital environment feel more comfortable.

The tour takes about one hour. During the tour, you will see an operating room, become familiar with the layout of the hospital and have a chance to talk about what happens the day of surgery.

When to tour the hospital before surgery

Generally, younger kids have a shorter memory, so it's best to tour the hospital closer to the date of surgery. Older kids do better with more time to prepare – so it's a good idea to tour the hospital with them further in advance. The following age guidelines can help you decide when to schedule your tour:

• 2 to 4 years old: Parents are encouraged to view the pre-surgery video.
• 5 to 9 years old: Schedule a tour one to five days before the operation.
• 10 to 17 years old: Schedule a tour one week to 10 days before the operation.
• 18 and older: Schedule a tour one to two weeks before the operation.

How to make a reservation for the tour

Please call 720-777-3991 or email us with two tour dates and times that will work for you. We will contact you within a few days to confirm the date and time. Pre-surgery tours are only available at our hospital on Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.

Please provide the following information in your email:

• Your first and last name
• Your child's first and last name
• Child's age and date of birth
• Type of operation or procedure
• Date of operation
• Two preferred dates and times for the tour
• The number of people who will attend the tour (limited to immediate family members only)
• A phone number where you can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Important surgery tour tips

• Arrive a few minutes early, as we start the tours promptly.
• Tours last approximately one hour.
• Please limit the number of people in your tour to immediate family members only (parents or guardians).
• During visitor restriction periods (such as flu season), siblings are not allowed on tours or in the hospital.
• Please note that it is important to schedule your tour as soon as possible to ensure your preferred date.
• Occasionally, we may need to cancel tours due to hospital activities or department scheduling conflicts. If we have to cancel your tour, we will contact you with other available options.

If you need to cancel your tour, please do so as soon as possible. Email us at SurgeryTours@childrenscolorado.org or call 720-777-3991.

Once you have a date for your child's procedure and understand what to expect, it's time to start planning for the big day. Here are things to consider in the few days leading up to your child's surgery so that you are ready to arrive at the hospital and get checked in on time.

Questions to ask before surgery

During your pre-surgery appointment with your child's surgeon or family doctor, you can bring a list of questions to help you understand your child's condition and what to expect from the procedure.

This list of questions can help you get the conversation started:

• Why is this operation necessary?
• How long will my child be in the hospital?
• How do you give anesthesia?
• Will my child need oxygen or an IV?
• How will you control pain?
• How will my child look and feel after the operation?
• What type of home care will my child require following surgery? For how long?

Research your child's condition and operation

Children’s Colorado is home to one of the area's best family health libraries. Located on the first floor of the hospital, the library has information on illnesses, wellness, parenting and in-depth research on medical conditions. Staff librarians can help you find exactly what you need. We can also email you resources if you're not nearby.

Get in touch with other parents

Learn from families who've experienced the same procedure. They can help prepare you for what's ahead and offer the support you may need.

Make care arrangements for your other children

For all procedures, patients can have two parents or legal guardians present in the treatment areas. Two additional adult visitors are permitted but will not be allowed in the treatment areas. Please check with your care team as visitation guidelines may vary by season, especially during RSV and flu season.

Siblings under 18 years old must be supervised by a legal guardian or adult visitor at all times. Siblings are not allowed in the treatment areas at any point.

For overnight hospital stays, two adults may stay with the child, but brothers or sisters may not stay overnight. To make this easier for your family, it's best to make arrangements for your other children to stay with family or friends so you can be with your child in the hospital.

Gather important information to bring

Instead of worrying about paperwork the night before the surgery, take time in the days leading up to the surgery to collect:

• All paperwork given to you by your child's doctor(s)
• Insurance card(s) and related information
• A list of medications your child is taking, including dosages

Pack a bag

Depending on how long your child will be at Children's Colorado, you'll need to pack enough to get through your stay. This could include:

• Comfortable daytime clothing
• A favorite nightgown, pair of pajamas or robe
• Slippers or shoes
• Special bottles, cups, books, toys or bedding
• Hairbrush, comb and barrettes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and other toiletries
• Photos of friends or family
• School books and assignments
• Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids or dental retainers
• Children with specialized wheelchairs or tubes should bring appropriate supplies
• Activities for parents (books, laptop, tablet, etc.)

Whatever you decide to pack, please be sure to label personal items and clothing you bring to the hospital. We'll do our best to help you keep track of them, but it is your responsibility.

Please do not bring the following items:

• Latex or rubber balloons
• Valuables or anything of monetary or sentimental value. This could include such things as jewelry, portable music or game devices.
• Weapons of any kind — there are no weapons allowed on any Children's Colorado property.

Each department or clinic may have specific guidelines, so ask in advance if you have any questions.

Make sure you know how to get to the hospital

Sometimes, your child's surgery may take place at a different location than the one you have previously visited to see the doctor. Make sure to check your paperwork for the exact location of the surgery and then find driving directions and parking information for the right Children's Colorado location.

Pre-register before surgery

Like other visits to Children's Colorado, you will need to pre-register your child for their surgery appointment. Please call our Admissions Department at 720-777-6797 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday to pre-register for your child’s surgery. This helps speed up the registration process. Please have the following information ready:

• Your child's legal name
• Your child's date of birth
• Your home address
• Your child’s primary care doctor's name
• The legal name, ID card, mailing address and phone number of the person responsible for paying the patient's bill (also known as the guarantor)
• The guarantor's insurance card policy numbers, insurance claims address and customer service phone number
• The copay amount due for the child's visit and procedures
• Parents' or legal guardians' names, dates of birth and social security numbers
• Parents' employers and work phone numbers

If you have any questions or concerns about the information above, please call our Admissions Department at 720-777-6797 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Attend your surgery preparation appointment

For some procedures, your child may need a pre-operative appointment. During this appointment, you'll meet the surgeon and possibly some members of their care team. This is a great time to ask questions about the procedure, as well as what to expect during recovery.

Your child may also need a blood draw or a physical exam so the care team can make sure they are ready for surgery.

Monitor your child's health closely

If your child becomes sick in the week before the operation, contact your surgeon’s scheduler to inform them of the sickness. Tell your child's care team about important health changes they’ve had in the three weeks before surgery. These could include:

• Fever
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Exposure to chicken pox, measles, strep throat or other illness

If specific symptoms related to your child's surgery or diagnosis change, make sure to update the surgeon. Your child's surgeon may want to reschedule the appointment based on how your child is doing.

The hospital provides pagers to parents so they can be notified of any updates during their child's surgery. Feel free to take a walk, grab a bite to eat or just relax while you wait.

Follow rules about visiting hours

Please familiarize yourself with our current visitation policies and ask your care team if you have any questions.

When your child starts to wake up, the nurse will bring you to their bedside so you can sit with them. Immediately following the procedure, it's useful to know:

• Children waking up from anesthesia may cry and seem confused. This is common.
• Your child may be wearing a mask and breathing with extra oxygen.
• IVs and tubes may be visible. These help keep your child stable after surgery.
• Pain and discomfort are part of most surgeries. If you're worried about your child's pain or have questions about the medication they received, please ask your child's care team.

Depending on your child's procedure, you will either:

• Help your child get dressed to go home.
• When your child is officially discharged, the attending nurse or other team member will help you get to your car, often with your child in a wheelchair. Volunteers and nurses are available to help you get your child in the car if needed.

OR

• Go with them to their inpatient room.
• For children staying in the hospital after their surgery, parents and caregivers are welcome to stay with their child overnight. Every patient room is a private room complete with a double bed.

Receiving surgery discharge instructions

Once the doctor says your child can go home, your healthcare team will begin arranging a safe and comfortable transition home. We may need a little time to coordinate services with other community providers if your child requires any special care, medical equipment and supplies.

Ask questions before leaving

Your doctor will tell you about any care needed at home, medications and follow-up appointments. Think through any of your questions or concerns before you leave the hospital and be sure to get them answered so that you are confident about going home. If you forget a question, do not hesitate to call the number provided in your discharge paperwork.

Here are a few questions that may be good to ask:

• Which activities should my child avoid?
• Are any foods off-limits?
• When can my child return to school or play?
• What should I be aware of over the next few days?
• Do we need to come back for any reason?

Schedule any follow-up appointments

The surgeon or care team will inform you of any follow-up appointments your child will need and will call you to schedule them within 10 days following the surgery. You can also call the clinic scheduling line if you want to schedule sooner.

Parents and caregivers can use the following tips to help children adjust after a surgery or procedure.

Stock up on simple foods and drinks

This can include items like broth, apple juice, Kool-Aid, popsicles and Jell-O. It is not uncommon for kids' stomachs to be upset after a procedure. Start with softer, bland foods like oatmeal, bread, crackers, bananas and yogurt. Follow the doctor's discharge instructions about food and wait until your child is ready to try something more filling. Your child should start to feel hungry 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

Plan some quiet play and games

Your child may be tired and sore, but children are also prone to boredom. Find quiet games or toys they can play with in bed or on the couch. Don't forget the books!

Limit activity

Also let siblings know their brother or sister will need to take it easy for a while, and that quiet play is great for helping their sibling's recovery.

Plan a special celebration or gift

A special dinner, new book or toy can make coming home a celebration, as well as help entertain your child while they recover.

Be aware of possible behavior changes

Children may act differently after a surgery or procedure. These behavior changes are normal, especially for young children who have less ability to understand and talk about it. For most children, behavioral changes after a surgery or procedure last no more than two weeks.

What to expect:

• Young children may need more attention and may act difficult and demanding. They may have nightmares, poor appetites or bathroom accidents, even if they are potty-trained.
• Older children may act younger, test limits or become withdrawn or clingy.

You can help your child return to their normal routine by:

• Being understanding
• Setting gentle limits
• Encouraging independence
• Giving them chances to play and talk about their surgery or procedure

If you are concerned about your child's behavior following a surgery or procedure, call your doctor's office or the specialist who performed the surgery or procedure. Remember: We are here for you.