The Days Before Surgery

Surgery Preparation Checklists

Leading up to Your Child's Surgery

  • Have I scheduled a physical exam with my child's primary care physician within thirty (30) days before the operation?
  • Has the primary care physician completed and signed the medical history and physical examination form?
  • Have I notified Surgery Registration that my child, family or I have special communication needs, such as hearing impairment, visual difficulties, foreign language translation or other need?
  • Have I received authorization from my insurance company if required by my insurance contract?
  • Have I registered for the preoperative program?
    • Cincinnati Children's Main Campus: 513-636-8298
    • Cincinnati Children's Mason Campus: 513-636-6804
  • Have I discussed my child's medical history with the surgeon:
    • The reason for the surgery
    • Medications my child is taking
    • Allergies to medicine, food or latex
    • Reactions to anesthesia or to a blood transfusion
    • History of nausea after anesthesia or medication
    • Immunization record
    • Previous illnesses or operations
    • Previous hospital stays (admissions), tests or treatments
    • Anything that might put my child at risk during the hospital visit
  • Have I asked my surgeon about any special equipment I may need at home after surgery?
  • Have I arranged for someone to care for other children while I am at the hospital?
  • For families coming from out of town, have I called Guest Services at 800-344-2462 for help making travel and lodging plans?

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Day Before the Operation

  • Have I reviewed the instructions for eating and drinking before surgery?
  • Does my child have a cold, a fever, a rash or fever blister? If so, please call your surgeon. The operation may be postponed.
  • Have I talked with my child about the operation? Have we read books about hospitals and operations?
  • Have I reviewed the information about anesthesia and the instructions about eating and drinking?
  • Has my child taken a thorough bath or shower and removed all make-up, nail polish, all pierced and other jewelry?
  • Do I have plenty of clear liquids, such as water, sugar water, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, apple juice, pulp-free juices, breast milk, Pedialyte, soft drinks, popsicles?
  • Do I have a supply of acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol?
  • Have I planned quiet games and activities for after the operation?
  • Have I made arrangements for transportation to and from Cincinnati Children's?  
  • Have I made arrangements to be with my child or have another adult there while my child recuperates at home?
  • Have I arranged for someone to care for other children while I am at the hospital?

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What to Bring on the Day of the Operation

  • Insurance, medical cards and child's Social Security number
  • Completed medical history and physical exam form
  • Proof of guardianship (for court-appointed guardians)
  • Any medications my child is taking
  • Containers for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, dentures and jewelry. We recommend leaving unnecessary valuables, such as jewelry, at home.
  • Favorite toy, blanket or comfort item
  • Special bottle, nipple, pacifier or sipper cup
  • Loose, comfortable clothing for your child to wear after surgery
  • Something to occupy your time while you're waiting, such as magazines, knitting or your laptop computer

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