Patient and Family Resources
Prepare for Your Surgical Procedure

Contact Us

For general assistance, call:

513-636-4200
800-344-2462 (toll free)

Your Child’s Procedure at a Glance

Cincinnati Children's performs procedures that require anesthesia at our Burnet Campus, Liberty Campus, and Eden Park. Your provider will tell you the location, day and date of your child’s procedure.

Bring these items with you:

Insurance or medical card
Your child’s social security number
Completed pre-procedure physical exam form
Proof of guardianship (for court-appointed guardians)
Photo ID for visitors 16 and older, parents, primary caregivers and adult patients
Completed advance directive paperwork if needed
List of your child’s medications
Containers for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dental retainers
Comfort or distraction items
Comfortable clothing for after the procedure
Portable oxygen tank, CPAP or ventilator (if used)

It is best to bring only the child scheduled for the procedure so you can focus on their needs with fewer distractions. If you must bring other children with you, talk to a member of your healthcare team about any guidelines and restrictions that may apply.

Surgery and Procedure Center Prep Books

Click a link below for easy-to-understand explanations and photos to help you and your child know what to expect before their procedure. The prep books are specific to the center in which you'll have your procedure.

Procedure Guide

For detailed hospital information, including what to bring and finding your way around the hospital, download our booklet, For Patients and Families: A Procedure Guide.

Procedure Preparation Information

Procedure Check-in

Burnet Same Day Surgery — Check in at the Welcome Center Location B1, then go to B3 Registration.
Burnet Procedure Center — Check in at the Welcome Center Location A1, then go to A3 Registration.
Liberty — Check in at Same Day Surgery, Location A2.
Eden Park — Check in at the main entrance desk on the first floor. Then go to the second floor for Same Day Surgery Registration.

Don’t Be Late

If you arrive late your child's procedure may be canceled or changed. Allow time for traffic and parking. If traveling to our Burnet Campus, we suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early.

Illness

Call if your child experiences runny nose, cough, wheezing, fever, rash, diarrhea or vomiting within two weeks of the procedure.
Call if your child has bronchitis, pneumonia, croup, flu or COVID-19 within six weeks of the procedure.

Over Age 18?

Patients 18 or older who have the ability to make an informed decision have the right to make their own medical treatment decisions and draft an advance directive.

Surgical Procedure FAQs

How do I help my child understand what to expect?

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.

How should I prepare for my child’s procedure?

Schedule a physical exam with your child's primary care provider no more than 30 days before the procedure.
Have your child's primary care provider 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.

How will I confirm arrival times and eating and drinking instructions?

A hospital nurse will talk to you by phone three 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.

Understanding Anesthesia

Anesthesia is medicine that makes you tired very quickly. You will not feel, hear or see anything during this special sleep. A provider or nurse will give you medicine so that you stay asleep during the whole procedure. You will never be alone—providers 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.

Pain Management

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.

What should I have on hand when my child goes home?

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.