Preparing your child for surgery

You can help your child by preparing him/her for the operation as soon as you know that the surgery is scheduled. Children do much better when they are well prepared and know what to expect. If you stay calm and reassuring with your child, he/she is much more likely to stay calm and have a positive experience in the hospital.

A visit to the Pediatric Preadmission Center helps answer your and your child's questions. The preadmission visit provides personalized attention to your family.

A preadmission visit takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, and siblings are welcome. Your family will meet with an anesthesiologist, a nurse and a child life specialist. You and your child can ask specific questions and address any concerns. Your family will tour the pediatric surgery center, and if the child will be admitted after the surgery, a tour of the inpatient unit is also scheduled. Children are allowed to touch and play with the medical equipment they will see on the day of the procedure.

We recommend a preadmission visit for you and your child before each and every procedure to optimize your child's well being. During the preadmission visit, an anesthesiologist will perform a history and physical exam that will direct your child's anesthestic care. Anesthesiologists will care for your child throughout surgery, keeping your child safe and comfortable during and after the procedure. All of our pediatric anesthesiologists are board certified with specialty training in pediatric anesthesia.

To schedule a Pediatric Preadmission Visit, call 203-688-7996. The Pediatric Surgery Center is located on the third floor of the Children's Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital.

For more information, visit the Children's Hospital site: Preparing Your Child for Hospitalization.