Surgery

At Lake Forest Hospital, we understand that your child’s surgery can be a frightening experience for you as well as your child. To help put your parental fears at ease, we’ve taken steps to ensure your child receives superior care both medically and emotionally. Our pediatric-trained, board certified anesthesiologists and surgeons perform outpatient (Day Surgery) and inpatient surgical procedures at Lake Forest Hospital. To help everyone rest easier, parents are invited into the Operating Room with their children during sedation, and can be at their bedside during the recovery process.

Checking In—At check-in, you will be asked to sign registration and insurance forms, and you and your child will be escorted to the Pediatric Day Surgery unit. Your nurse will prepare your child for surgery, place an intravenous line and answer any questions you may have. Only two visitors are allowed in the room at a time. Other family members may wait in the area’s waiting room.

Addressing your child’s anxiety—Lake Forest Hospital understands a child’s fear of the unknown and the anxiety a child may experience when separated from their parents at the time of surgery. In order to help, we have oral sedation available for your child in order to alleviate their anxiety (if needed). In addition, Lake Forest Hospital has been a pioneer in allowing parents to be present and provide reassurance and support while your child (age 11 and under) is helped to sleep by the anesthesiologist. 

After Surgery Recovery—Following surgery, your child will be observed in our Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) formally known as the Recovery Room, where the nursing staff continually monitors your child as the anesthetic wears off. The surgeon will let you know as soon as the surgery is completed and you will be reunited with your child as soon as his or her condition permits. Following the appropriate recovery time, you and your child will be returned to the Pediatric Day Surgery unit to be discharged or taken to an inpatient room if you are staying overnight.

Managing your child’s pain—The staff at Lake Forest Hospital understands that children experience pain like adults, and we are proactive in preventing and managing it. Unless otherwise dictated, your child will receive Tylenol before surgery to lessen post-surgical discomfort. After surgery, your child is assessed frequently for the presence of any pain and medicated if needed. 

Discharge—As soon as your child’s condition is stable, you will be given written instructions for your child’s care at home. These instructions include recommended activities and foods, as well as those to avoid. Your child’s physician may also provide a prescription for medication.