We know that having an operation or diagnostic tests that require anesthesia can be a scary time for a child and stressful for parents. You can be assured that your child will be given the best care available from some of the nation’s leading pediatric anesthesia teams.
The information here should help you better understand the anesthesia process from start to finish. We will do everything we can to help you understand what is required of you before, during and after your child’s visit here.
Our pre-surgical teams, including staff from our pediatric anesthesiology team, will help your child prepare for any outpatient or inpatient operation or other procedure that requires anesthesia. It is staffed by Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and overseen by a Pediatric Anesthesiologist.
We ask families to make one pre-operative visit one to two weeks prior to your child’s procedure. During this visit we will gather important information to optimize your child’s anesthetic experience.
At your visit, one of the Nurse Practitioners will:
- Ask many questions
- Examine your child
- Make sure paperwork is completed
You and your child will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the anesthesia and recovery process. You will be given a chance to meet with a Child Life Specialist and Social Worker, if desired.
Our goal is to provide the support you need to make your visit to Mott Children’s Hospital as comfortable as possible.
To schedule your pre-operative appointment, or if you have any questions, call 734–232–5872.
Important Information “At a Glance”
Reading the entire Procedural Readiness section of this website, or the Procedural Readiness book you were given at the clinic, is very important. However, if you do not have the time, please review this page for a summary of the most important information.
One Month Before Procedure
- Schedule a pre-operative visit. Call 734–232–5872.
Two Weeks Before Procedure
- Children should STOP taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or medications containing these ingredients, for a FULL two weeks (14 days) before anesthesia unless you are told otherwise.
The Day Before Procedure
- You will receive a phone call from a U–M nurse to tell you what time to check in the next day.
- Bathe your child the evening before anesthesia.
- Call 877–368–1316 if your child has any signs of an illness that may cause the procedure to be cancelled.
- Make sure you have all of the medications and/or equipment you will need the day of and immediately following the procedure.
The Day of Procedure
- Bring a couple of comfort items for your child.
- Bring in your parking pass for a lowered cost validation.
- Bring a list of your child’s medication, including dosage.
Follow these important food and liquid restrictions:
- NO solids 6 hours before procedure
- NO bottle milk 6 hours before procedure
- NO breast milk 4 hours before procedure
- NO water, Pedialyte® or apple juice 2 hours before procedure
- NOTHING AT ALL 2 HOURS BEFORE PROCEDURE. Nothing by mouth means just that – NOTHING – no gum, mints, water, etc.