Preparing for Surgery: Pediatrics for Newborn to 12 years
Pre-admission Surgical Evaluation
Preparing for Surgery
When You Arrive
After Surgery
Pediatric PASE (Pre-Admission Surgical Evaluation)
Your child's PASE appointment will help prepare you and your child for surgery. It includes an assessment and learning opportunity for you and your child. Questions are welcome. Any lab tests your doctor has ordered will be completed at your PASE appointment, preferably 5-30 days before surgery. Results will be sent to your doctor before surgery.
Call for your PASE appointment as soon as the surgery is scheduled. Allow 60 minutes for the visit. Call the Admissions Department at (319) 398-6515, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., for registration prior to the appointment.
Preparing for Your Child's PASE Appointment
- Parking is available in the Patient/Visitor Ramp. Enter at the North Ramp Entrance on Level 2 and enter the PASE office on the right.
- Your child may eat and take usual medications the day of testing unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
- A PASE nurse will:
- Complete a health history.
- Evaluate pre-testing (Lab, when applicable).
- Provide you with information about your child's surgery including ways to prepare your child emotionally and common reactions to surgery and hospitalization.
- Remember to bring with you:
- Papers from your physician's office.
- A completed Pediatric Medical History form provided by your surgeon's office.
- List of current medications, (name of drug and dosage as written on bottle) vitamins, herbal supplements, and all over-the-counter medications your child takes.
- List of allergies and prior surgeries
- Insurance card(s)/Medicaid card/Social Security number
- Your child may bring a favorite blanket, toy or stuffed animal to this appointment.
Prepairing for Surgery
Compliance with these guidelines is necessary for safe administration of anesthesia or sedation. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of surgery.
Arrival – On the day of surgery, arrive at the surgery center 1 and 1/2 hours before your scheduled surgery unless you are instructed otherwise. Park in the ramp located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 8th Street. Enter the hospital through the South Entrance and proceed to the Surgery Center on Level 2.
Diet – No solid food after midnight. No liquids 4 hours before scheduled surgery time. Clear liquids such as, carbonated beverages, non-pulp juices, water, or Pedialyte are allowed up to 4 hours before surgery, then nothing by mouth. Breastfed babies may have breast milk up to 4 hours before scheduled surgery time, then nothing by mouth.
Attire – Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing. No jewelry, make-up or nail polish. Leave all valuables and money at home. Remove all body piercing prior to hospital arrival.
Physical Status – If a change in your child's physical status develops (persistent cough, fever or an important change in the condition your child is to have the surgery for) notify your surgeon.
Accompaniment – A parent or guardian must accompany your child to and from the hospital. If you are a legal guardian, you must bring the paperwork showing proof of the guardianship arrangement. A responsible adult must be in constant attendance for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
When You Arrive
After arrival, an anesthesiologist will evaluate your child's general condition and answer any questions you have. Please limit the number of family and friends at the bedside to two.
After Surgery
Inpatients
Your child will remain in the Phase I recovery room until he or she begins to recover from the anesthesia. You will accompany your child to their room after visiting with the surgeon.
Outpatients
Your child will remain in the Phase I recovery room until he or she begins to recover from the anesthesia. You will be escorted to the Phase II recovery area where your child will be transferred. Discharge typically occurs within 1 to 2 hours.
Each patient is unique so specific questions about surgeryshould be discussed with your physician or surgeon.
