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Pediatric Surgery at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Talking about or preparing for a procedure can be stressful and induce anxiety in children, adolescents, and parents. With that in mind, we strive to make your surgical experience at Cooley Dickinson Hospital a family-friendly and positive experience. We provide a friendly, warm and comforting environment, keeping children with their family as much as possible. We encourage a parent to come with their child into the OR until they fall asleep and be there when they wake in Recovery. We invite you to call our facility with questions or concerns before a procedure.

About us:

Cooley Dickinson Hospital is a special facility with a strong community commitment, an up-to-date Surgical facility, and highly trained practitioners. What that means is exceptional patient-centered care in a highly skilled and nurturing environment. We’re proud to have experts in Pediatric care available to you and your family who can provide comprehensive Pediatric Surgical Services in a fully modern Operative Suite.

Surgeries we perform include but are not limited to:

  • ENT procedures including adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, myringotomy tubes
  • General Surgery procedures like appendectomy
  • Orthopedic surgeries
  • GI Procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy
  • Dental Procedures
  • Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Tips for families:

  • Bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal, books, or device for comfort.
  • Try to eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated outside of your child’s sight and smell.
  • Speak with friends or family for support throughout the process.

 


 

Preoperative Instructions:

Please Note: These instructions are for your safety. Failure to comply may result in delay or cancellation of your surgery.

  • DO NOT EAT or DRINK after midnight before your surgery/procedure.
  • NO candy, cough drops, breath mints, or chewing gum the day of your surgery/procedure.
  • You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow water, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc.
  • If you take any medications, supplements or herbal remedies, please refer to the instructions you received from your health care provider about whether to continue taking them.

Pediatric Surgery: What to Expect

What to expect on the day of your surgery:

  • Check in at the Kittredge Surgery Center, in the North Building of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
  • A nurse will greet you in the Pre-Op area.
  • You will meet the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses who will answer any further questions and get consent for the procedure.
  • If you choose, a parent can go to the OR with your child and stay until your child is asleep.
  • Progress of the procedure can be followed in our waiting room using the color-coded SmarTrack board.
  • Parents are invited to join their children in the Recovery Area.
  • When Anesthesia wears off, your child is brought to the Post-Op Area for food, drink and final discharge instructions.