Most children scheduled for surgery (even open-heart surgery) do not need to be admitted to the hospital before the day of the operation, but paperwork and testing must be done in preparation for their hospitalization.
Preadmission testing is done within 72 hours before surgery (usually the day before). It includes a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) blood work, a urinalysis, and a history and physical exam. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist who will be caring for your child in the operating room.
An echocardiogram may be done on that day as well. After testing has been completed, a hospital tour can be arranged by the Cardiothoracic Surgery nurse practitioners. These tours are usually given by one of our Child Life Specialists.
