Many procedures can be performed under anesthesia and the child can return home the same day. Common procedures performed on children as an outpatient include repair of umbilical and inguinal hernias, correction of undescended testes and removal of cysts or lumps on the head, neck or extremities. Pediatric anesthesiologists provide outstanding perioperative care.
If your child is scheduled for an outpatient surgical procedure, this surgery will take place on the 4th floor of the Sinai Hospital. You will need to arrive 1 ½ hours prior to the scheduled time for the surgery so that registration, interviews with the nurse and anesthesiologist and other preparations can proceed smoothly. Your child will be placed under anesthesia for this procedure. Anesthesia requires an empty stomach. It is very important for your child not to eat food for at least 8 hours before surgery. Formula is allowed up to 6 hours before surgery. Breast milk is allowed up to 4 hours before surgery. Clears are allowed up to 2 hours before surgery, this includes water, apple juice, Kool-Aid, clear soda, Pedialyte, chicken broth containing no particulates and Jell-O without fruit. If your child develops a cold within a week prior to the day of surgery, please contact your surgeon to reschedule. The signs to look for are cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and/or ear infection/pain. Your child will be in the recovery room for approximately 1-2 hours after surgery. He/she will then be discharged, and you may return home. Please contact your surgeon to schedule an appointment 1-3 weeks after the day of surgery, as directed.
