Pediatric Surgery
Same day surgery

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What you can do in the weeks before surgery

In the weeks before your child's surgery, you can do several things to make the experience less stressful.

Texas Children's child-life specialists are trained to assist each child with the hospital experience relative to the child's emotional and developmental needs. They are available to talk with your child about what to expect during surgery. They also provide tours of the surgery area for children and parents.

To talk with a child-life specialist about any of these offerings, call 832-826-1650. We also have a preoperative video that can help you and your child learn what to expect on the day of surgery. Many doctors who operate at Texas Children's loan these videos to patients and families.

The three Ps
Before the day of surgery, complete three simple steps:

Preregistration: We will check insurance or Medicaid information and let you know what costs your insurance will cover. If no one has contacted you by the day before surgery, call 832-824-5840, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Learn what health plans are accepted by Texas Children's.

Preadmission: Often a nurse will complete preadmission over the phone, unless the doctor specifically has asked you to go to Texas Children's. The nurse will ask basic questions about your child's overall health.

Pretesting: Your child's doctor may order tests or X-rays before surgery. If so, please go to the hospital to complete these procedures during the two weeks before surgery.

Parking and planning
Parking -- Valet parking will be validated for one car on the days of preadmission, pretesting and surgery. Tell the valet attendant you have come for same day surgery and be sure to get parking coupons or validation before leaving.

Plan for your other children to stay with family or friends the day of surgery. Put together a small kit with toys, paper, colors, portable music player or reading material to help you and your child pass the time as you wait. These items should fit into a purse, backpack or diaper bag. Help your child pick out a soft toy or blanket to take into surgery for comfort.

Learn more
The day before surgery
The day before surgery
Online resources for kids and parents
Same day surgery main page