PREPARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S
SURGERY
When you and the doctor decide that it is necessary
for your child to have orthopaedic surgery at
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta or the
Pediatric Outpatient Surgery Center, the following
information will be useful in helping you prepare
for the surgery.
Once the physician completes the surgery scheduling
sheet, they will give their assistant a date for
surgery. You may contact the physician’s
assistant to discuss the date of the surgery and
any additional information that may be needed
for your insurance.
Preoperative tests: Some patients need certain
tests before surgery, such as a CT or MRI. Your
physician will tell you if this is needed.
Preparing your child for surgery and hospitalization
can be difficult. The Child Life Program at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta offers tours of the hospital
geared toward the child’s developmental
level. They can provide guidance on how to mentally,
emotionally prepare your child at home and what
to bring with you for the hospital visit. They
may be reached at 404-325-6337.
The night before surgery a nurse from Day Surgery
will call you to tell you what time you should
come to the hospital. If the surgery is scheduled
for Monday, they will call on Friday. For directions
to the hospital or surgery center, contact the
physician’s assistant and they will give
them to you.
A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will
meet with you before the surgery. They will examine
your child and answer any questions regarding
the anesthesia.
You may walk with your child to the OR before
surgery. The doctor will come out to see you after
the operation is completed. Please let the unit
clerk know your location at all times so that
the physician can find you.
You may stay with your child after surgery. There
is one extra bed in each room. If both parents
wish to stay, a chair can be brought into the
room for the extra person.
If you have concerns about special needs your
child will have after surgery, i.e. hospital bed,
wheelchair, car seat, etc. please contact the
physician’s assistant.
For all other questions and concerns, please
call the office at 404-321-9900.
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