Pediatric Surgery at the Surgecenter


Your child has been scheduled for a surgical procedure at the Surgecenter. While it is natural for any parent to feel apprehension when his/her child requires surgery, rest assured that the Surgecenter staff will care for your child as they would their very own -- in the safest, most comfortable, and least invasive manner possible. Your child's well-being is their utmost concern.

Preparing Your Child for Surgery

There is much you can do to contribute to a positive surgical experience for your child. Most important, is that you prepare your child for what to expect before and after surgery, and that you follow the physician's pre- and post-operative instructions precisely.

Informing Your Child About Surgery

The best way to help your child prepare for surgery is to describe the upcoming procedure in age appropriate terms that he/she can understand.

If your child is a toddler, explain the surgery no more than a day ahead of time, focusing on what the child will see, hear, taste, feel, etc. Let the child make choices such as which toy to bring or which ear the nurse should look in first.

Tell your preschooler no more than three days in advance. Help build trust by using simple words to explain the procedure, including things that may hurt or be uncomfortable. Read children's books about having surgery. Encourage role-playing using a doll or stuffed animal as the patient. Have your child select a favorite comfort item to bring along.

School-age children should be prepared about a week before surgery. Let them ask questions, express their concerns and talk to peers who may have undergone similar experiences. Reassure them that you will be nearby throughout the entire procedure.

Adolescents are learning independence, decision-making and self-concept. Talk about what is going to happen at least a week in advance. Be honest and encourage them to ask the doctor or nurse any questions they may have. Respect their need for privacy.

Tour Our Facility

A pre-operative tour can also be arranged by calling the Surgecenter. You and your child will have the opportunity to meet the Surgecenter staff, familiarize yourselves with the facility and procedures, and ask questions. This can help you and your child understand what will take place the day of surgery. Call (650) 324-1832 to schedule a tour in advance of your child's procedure date.

Pre-Operative Instructions

To prepare for your child's surgery, please review the following pre-surgery checklist:

  1. A nurse from the Surgecenter will call you a couple of days before your child's surgery to provide pre-operative instructions for your child. This information will include the time to arrive on the day of surgery and approximately how long you should plan to be at the Surgecenter.


  2. Notify your surgeon if your child develops either a chest cold or fever; has been treated for asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia in the past six weeks; or has been exposed to a contagious disease such as measles, chicken pox or mumps within three weeks before the surgery date. Based on the information you provide, you will be advised whether or not to bring your child to the Surgecenter for surgery. Your child must have an empty stomach when receiving anesthesia. A normal diet is allowed up until midnight the night before surgery. You will be told the exact time that your child must stop drinking clear liquids (water, apple juice, breast milk). Your child's surgery will be canceled or delayed if your child consumes any food or beverage past the specified time, so your close supervision is essential.


  3. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the patient to the Surgecenter on the day of surgery.


  4. Two adults may visit your child before and after surgery. (Our staff will determine when your child's recovery has reached a medically safe point for visitation.)


  5. Please make child care arrangements for your other children while you are with your child the day of surgery.


  6. Young adults age 18 or older who are scheduled for surgery must arrange for a designated driver to take them home after surgery.


  7. You are encouraged to have your child bring a comfort item such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to help make the surroundings a little more familiar

On the Day of Surgery

Please refer to our campus map for Surgecenter parking and entrance information.

When you arrive with your child at the Surgecenter, a staff member will greet you in the reception/waiting area and assist you with the admitting process. You and your child will be escorted to a private area in our Pre-Operative suite. The staff will review your child's medical history and care plan. An anesthesiologist will meet with you prior to surgery to discuss anesthesia and answer any questions.

You will be permitted to stay with your child in the Pre-Op suite during surgical preparation until he/she is taken into the operating room. You can wait for your child in the waiting area. Juices are provided there. Other snacks and refreshments are available at the kiosk located outside the first floor main entrance of the Clinic.