Before you arrive
- Have your child bathe or shower and wash his hair. Follow any special soap/scrub instructions from your surgeon/physician.
- Children may brush their teeth if they are able to do so without swallowing water.
- Remove all make-up, nail polish, jewelry, piercings and hair accessories with metal (including hair extensions).
- Bring a box or case to store contacts and removable orthodontic appliances if you cannot leave them at home.
- Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Have your child bring a favorite comfort item to take into surgery. To help prevent infection, wash this item before bringing it to the hospital.
Once you arrive at the hospital
- You must arrive at the hospital 90 minutes before the scheduled surgery start time.
- Your child's surgery is scheduled in the GOJO Outpatient Surgery Center in Akron. Park in the P2 Exchange Street parking deck, 348 Locust Street. Upon entering the building, you may be screened, which includes someone taking your temperature and asking a number of screening questions related to COVID-19.
- Upon arrival, a urine specimen will be collected on all females who have begun menstruation or spotting.
- The anesthesiologist will evaluate your child before the operation to ensure a safe anesthetic during surgery. The type of anesthesia and method of delivery are based on your child's age, type and length of surgery, general health and other factors.
- Due to visitor restrictions, only one adult is permitted in the pre- and post-operative areas. Child care is not provided.
- A legal guardian must accompany your child to the hospital on surgery day.
After surgery
- The surgeon will speak to you privately about the procedure.
- Your child will be taken to the post anesthesia care unit where 2 visitors older than 18 years will be allowed.
- The outpatient pharmacy is available to fill any home-going prescriptions.
- A parent, legal guardian or other adult must be available to drive the child home.
Changes in behavior
You may notice a change in your child's behavior before or after surgery. Clinginess is a common post-hospital behavior, but children are resilient and they'll typically work through it. If disruptive behaviors last longer than 6 weeks, talk to your child's doctor.
Encourage your child to play "doctor" and "hospital," draw pictures of their experience, and/or journal about their experience. These types of activities will help lead them to a healthy recovery.
