Note - A downloadable version of this document can be found here.
Please read the following instructions carefully and note any questions you may have, so you can ask the pre-op call nurse. The pre-op call nurse will be calling you one-two days prior to the procedure to go over your child’s past medical history and answer your questions. If you make a note of your questions prior to the call you can be sure you get all the answers you need to make you and your child comfortable before surgery.
Eating Guidelines: It is very important that you follow the eating guidelines exactly in order to ensure your child’s safety and that the procedure does not get cancelled. The following are meant as guidelines only. The pre-op call nurse will go over your child’s eating guidelines. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before.
This includes:
• Solid foods
• Candy, Gum, etc
• Milk and milk products (i.e. Pudding, ice cream, yogurt)
• Hot or cold cereal
• Orange juice or any other juice containing pulp
• If your child is on formula and younger than six months, stop giving formula six hours before arrival at the center.
• If your child is on breast milk, please stop feeding four hours prior to your arrival at the center.
• If your child is under 5 years of age he/she may have clear liquids up until 4 hours of the procedure.
• Clear liquids including: Water, Apple juice, White grape juice, Popsicles, Clear broth, Pedialyte, Jello
Jewelry: Please remove all jewelry from your child prior to coming to Short Hills Surgery Center. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Please leave items at home. These items tend to be very small and misplaced easily. To avoid this, we ask that you leave them at home.
Nail Polish and Make-up: Please remove your child's nail polish and make-up prior to your arrival at the center.
Glasses and Contact Lenses: Please have your child wear their glasses to the center and bring their eyeglass case with them for safe storage while in surgery. If your child wears contact lenses, please bring a storage case and saline to properly store the lenses.
Illnesses: If your child gets sick, please contact your primary care physician or pediatrician as soon as possible. If your child wakes up sick the day of surgery, you must contact the surgeon.
Dress Attire: Please dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of. Sweat suits and other cozy clothing work well. Anything that will make your child feel comfortable and relaxed before and after the surgery is a great choice.
Comfort Item: Your child may have a certain stuffed animal, toy, or blanket that makes them feel happy and safe. We encourage you to bring that item to the center on the day of surgery. If your child has a favorite DVD movie, please feel free to bring it. If there is waiting time while in the pre-op area or recovery room, portable DVD players may be available for your child’s comfort.
Important Information:
• You must remain in the building while your child is in surgery and recovering. Please make arrangements to make sure you do not have to leave the building during this time.
• When you register at the front desk, both you and your child will be given an ID band for identification. Your child will only be discharged to the parent/guardian with the wrist band on.
• Please bring your insurance card and identification when you come to the center. • If the pre-op call nurse did not reach you or was unable to obtain a medical history of your child, please bring a list of their current medications along with dosage.
Questions To Ask:
• What can my child eat?
• How do I take care of the incision? Surgical site?
• What medications will my child be taking? Dosages?
• When can my child take a shower/bath?
• What should I do for my child’s pain?
• How much activity is my child allowed to participate in?
• When can my child return to school?
• When should I call for a follow-up appointment?
