Patient and Family Resources

Prepare for Your Surgical Procedure

Children are usually less frightened when they know what to expect. Give honest, age-appropriate information that your child can understand. Our Child Life specialists can help your child prepare.

Infants (newborn to 12 months old)

• Bring familiar objects such as a favorite blanket, toy or pacifier.
• Use a familiar bottle or cup after the procedure. Please be sure it is empty and out of sight until then.

Toddlers (1 to 3 years old)

• Allow choices, such as which stuffed animal to bring or what to wear.
• Allow staff to “examine” you or a stuffed animal before examining your child.
• Let your child sit on your lap when possible.
• Bring familiar objects that will comfort your child.

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)

• Talk to your child about the hospital in terms they understand.
• Play hospital or doctor to role play.
• Be honest when talking about the procedure and what it entails.

Elementary school-age children (5 to 12 years old)

• Prepare your child about a week ahead of the visit.
• Allow questions and talk about concerns.
• Be honest when talking about the procedure and what it entails.
• Give simple explanations of things your child might see before or after the procedure, such as monitors, tubes or IV equipment.
• Talk about pain and ways to be more comfortable.
• Bring objects that will comfort or distract your child.
• Talk about anesthesia.

Teens (13 to 18 years old)

• Talk honestly about what will be done and why.
• Encourage your teen to ask questions and participate in decision-making.

• Schedule a physical exam with your child’s primary care physician no more than 30 days before the procedure.
• Have your child’s primary care physician complete and sign the pre-procedure physical exam form.
• Obtain any needed authorization from your insurance company.
• Review our visitor policy and guidelines in your procedure guide or the Cincinnati Children's App for the most up-to-date information.

A hospital nurse will talk to you by phone two business days before the procedure to:

• Confirm the time and location of the procedure.
• Review eating and drinking rules.
• Ask about your child’s health history, current medicines and exposure to other children that have been sick.
• Address your questions and concerns.

Anesthesia is medicine that makes you tired very quickly. You will not feel, hear or see anything during this special sleep. A doctor or nurse will give you medicine so that you stay asleep during the whole procedure. You will never be alone—doctors and nurses will be with you at all times.

Anesthesia is given in two ways:

• You breathe the medicine with a soft, clear mask over your mouth and nose.
• You get the medicine that makes you tired through a tube called an IV that’s put in a vein in your hand or arm.

When your procedure is over:

• You’ll wake up in the recovery room.
• A nurse will be with you when you wake up.
• Your parents or primary caregivers will meet you in the recovery room once you’re awake.

Most pain can be decreased so that you are comfortable enough to rest. Medicine is often available that can help reduce your discomfort.

• Use pillows and blankets to help create a comfortable position. Bring a favorite item from home for even greater comfort.
• Listen to music, watch a movie or do quiet activities.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

• Clear liquids like water, juices, soft drinks and sports drinks
• Light foods like soup crackers, dry cereal and formula
• High protein foods to help them heal
• Pain and fever-reducing medicine if allowed by your provider. Acetaminophen is available at a reduced rate at our pharmacy.