We perform a variety of outpatient pediatric surgeries at our facilities especially ear, nose and throat and dental procedures

When your child is not feeling well, you want nothing but to make them feel better. When it’s a condition that requires surgery, that can be more added stress on you as a parent.

At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we have a trained team of experts in place to help children get back to the playground sooner following surgery. Our medical staff performs a variety of pediatric surgeries such as ear, nose and throat, dental and orthopedic procedures.

Pediatric surgeries are performed at Candler Hospital, the SJ/C Pooler Campus and the Surgical Specialty Center. At St. Joseph’s Hospital, we do procedures on those 12 years and older.

Stefanie Reed is the surgical services clinical practice coordinator for St. Joseph’s/Candler. She outlines 10 things parents can expect when their child has surgery at St. Joseph’s/Candler:

1. Expect a call the night before surgery to learn the time of your child’s procedure
   A member of our team will call the night before your child’s surgery informing you what time his or her surgery is scheduled for.
2. Also, expect to be given a time frame regarding when your child can and can’t eat or drink anything
   St. Joseph’s/Candler follows national anesthesia guidelines on when your child should stop eating or drinking. For example, in most cases, you should stop solid foods eight hours before surgery, formula six hours and breast milk four hours prior and then no clear liquids within two hours of surgery. These can vary depending on your child and the type of procedure being performed. When we call you the night before surgery, you will be reminded of the steps you should follow.
3. We do ask that you:
   Make sure your child is wearing loose fitting and comfortable clothing. We also ask that your child get a bath the day before surgery. You are welcome to bring entertainment items, such as small electronics or books, while you and your child wait, but please nothing valuable.
4. Expect to arrive a couple hours before your child’s surgery
   We recommend parents and their child arrive two hours earlier than their scheduled surgery time. This allows ample time for registration. Also, be sure to bring insurance information and immunization records and be prepared to answer questions about your child’s medical history. And, please expect to stay throughout the course of your child’s visit. We ask that you please remain in our facility throughout the duration of your child’s procedure and recovery. This is important to keep a clear line of communication open throughout the surgery.
5. Try to bring a limited number of visitors
   We ask that the child has two visitors with him, but we also understand there may be instances when siblings have to come. We try to limit the number of guests in the recovery area, so if other children do attend, we ask that an adult be able to stay with them in the waiting room while the other parent goes to recovery.
   
   



6. Expect your child to receive a special teddy bear from our staff
   Most pediatric surgery patients will be given a little teddy bear before going back for surgery. We can use this bear to relate to the child and say, ‘The bear is getting fixed here too.’
7. Do not expect to be in the operating room with your child
   Parents will remain with the child during registration, in the waiting room and in the outpatient surgery room until the child goes back to the operating room. In some cases, a parent may walk to the operating room entrance with the child, but is not permitted in the actual operating room. A member of our team will remain in contact with you throughout the procedure. Then, as soon as your child is moved to the recovery area and is stable, one parent is allowed to go back. At Candler Hospital, we have a dedicated recovery area for pediatrics.
8. Expect your child to be placed under anesthesia
   The majority of pediatric surgeries require your child to be placed under some form of anesthesia – whether it’s local (meaning the area of operation is numb) or general (your child is put to sleep). An anesthesiologist will administer the mediation and monitor your child during surgery.
9. Therefore, expect your child to be groggy when you first see him or her in the recovery room
   You will be allowed to see your child in the recovery area once he or she starts to wake up and vital signs are checked. Your child may seem groggy or even upset, which are common side effects after pre-operation medication and anesthesia. One unique thing about our pediatric surgeries is we have a dedicated one-on-one nurse in recovery with each pediatric patient to keep an extra close eye on your child.
10. Expect to be given instructions to monitor your child once you are home
    When your child is discharged, you will be given specific discharge instructions and possibly a prescription for your child before you go home. After returning home, you should report any of the following to your doctor immediately:

• Fever more than 101.5 degrees
• Pain not controlled by medication
• Bleeding more than expect
• Painful or absence of urination
• Wheezing or noisy breathing 

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