What is day surgery?
Day surgery is an option that offers your child the opportunity to receive excellent medical care and return home the same day. Children scheduled for day surgery are admitted to the Day Surgery Unit, have their operation performed, wake up from anesthesia and return home with their family – all in the same day.
Where is the Day Surgery Unit located?
The Day Surgery Unit is located on the second floor of the Jones Pavilion, facing Fannin Street.
Where should I park?
We will validate one parking ticket for the Professional Building Garage on the day of surgery. The University of Texas Professional Building is located across the street from Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.
After you park your car, take the escalators from the front of the hospital, facing Fannin Street, to the second floor. Turn right and then left and follow the hallway. The Day Surgery Unit is located on the right. Please check in at the reception area, where you’ll meet with an admission representative.
What feeding guidelines should my child follow before surgery?
Please be careful to follow these guidelines:
- No formula, milk or solids after midnight the day before surgery
- An unlimited amount of clear liquids containing sugar, such as apple juice or Sprite, up to two hours before surgery
- Breast milk up to four hours before surgery
What if my child is sick before surgery?
Please call your physician’s office if your child is sick the week before surgery. Even a mild cold or upper respiratory infection can lead to increased risk from anesthesia, including pneumonia or asthma following surgery. Your doctor will be happy to reschedule the surgery.
When is pre-assessment necessary?
The Day Surgery Unit may require pre-assessment for children who have a history of heart problems, asthma or other chronic diseases. You’ll be notified if a pre-assessment is necessary.
At your appointment, the anesthesiologist will meet with you, you’ll be asked to sign consent-for-surgery forms and your child will have an opportunity to become familiar with the surroundings. Please bring a list of your child’s current medications, allergies and any previous hospitalizations, including dates. The pre-assessment will last about an hour.
May I tour the Day Surgery Unit in advance?
If you wish to speak with an anesthesiologist or tour the area prior to surgery, please notify Day Surgery at 713-704-4375.
When should we arrive for surgery?
You should arrive at the Day Surgery Unit two hours before the scheduled surgery time. A staff member will call you between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. the day before surgery to remind you of your expected arrival time.
Arriving two hours early will give us time to register you, reassess your child for any changes since your last physician visit and check you into the Day Surgery Unit. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask the anesthesiologist, surgeon and nurse any questions you may have.
What should I expect the day of surgery?
Your child will be admitted to the Day Surgery Unit and assigned to a room. The anesthesiologist and your pediatric surgeon will visit with you to obtain a medical history.
When it’s time for surgery, you may accompany your child to the pediatric holding area in surgery. The anesthesiologist will meet you there to give your child a mild sedative.
Once your child is taken to surgery, we ask that you wait in the Day Surgery waiting area. Your surgeon will visit you there as soon as the surgery is complete.
You’ll be allowed to join your child in the recovery room once his or her vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and temperature) are stable. You’ll then return to the waiting area until discharge. As soon as your child can hold fluids without vomiting and has gone to the bathroom or wet a diaper, the anesthesiologist will allow you to go home.
What should I bring to the Day Surgery Unit?
Dress your child in comfortable clothes or pajamas. A favorite toy or blanket may help make your child feel more comfortable. The Day Surgery Unit will provide juice and diapers. Please remove your child’s jewelry, glasses or contact lenses.
If you have questions, call the Day Surgery Unit at 713-704-4375.
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Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital's new pediatric operating suite and waiting area feature child-friendly décor that help make young surgery patients and their families feel more at home. 