Helpful Hints for the Day of Your Child's Surgery

  • Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to remove.
  • Put a pillow and blanket in the car for the ride home.
  • If your child wears contact lenses, bring the case and solution to store them in. The lenses must be removed before surgery.
  • Remove all your child’s jewelry and leave it and other valuables at home.
  • If your child uses a special bottle or cup bring it with you, EMPTY, and be sure to hide it where they will not see it before surgery.
  • Suggested comfort items to bring to help your child relax:
    • pacifier
    • favorite stuffed animal
    • favorite blanket
    • favorite toy
  • Suggested distraction items to bring to help your child cope:
    • hand-held video game
    • music and headphones
    • tablet
    • crayons, coloring books, puzzle books
    • playing cards
    • books, magazines

The day before your child's scheduled surgery, you will receive a phone call from a Pediatric Same-Day Surgery Nurse. Be sure to follow all instructions (eating/drinking, arrival times) carefully.

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment for a personalized pre-surgery orientation session from the Family Teaching Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's hospital.

Patient Stories

  • After open heart surgery, 7-year-old Lily's biggest concern was the availability of blue ice pops and the unpleasant taste of acetaminophen. “Considering that she had open heart surgery, I'll take those complaints any day!” said her mother, Denise.

    Lily
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  • When reflecting back on his time in the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program, Adrian said, “I had fun the entire time.”

    Adrian
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  • “Her health problem was very stressful for us, but that’s all gone now — because she’s OK.”

    Stephanie
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Patient Stories

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