Paediatric Day Surgery at HJE
We understand that bringing your child in for surgery can feel daunting. Our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way. This guide outlines what to expect — from preparing at home, arriving at the hospital, and going into surgery, through to recovery and going home. At the end, you’ll find answers to common questions about anaesthetic and safety.
Preparing for Surgery
Once your child has a confirmed procedure date, you’ll be invited to a pre-operative assessment. This appointment helps us check your child’s health and readiness for surgery. It may take place online, by phone or in person, depending on your child’s needs.
During the assessment, we’ll review your child’s medical history, check ID, and answer any questions you may have. If your child is unwell with a cough, fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, their surgery may need to be rescheduled to ensure a safe recovery.
Your child’s surgeon will also talk you through the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. This gives us permission to go ahead, but you’re free to change your mind at any time before surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
- No food after midnight.
- No water within six hours of surgery – usually before bedtime.
It’s important your child’s stomach is empty before their anaesthetic to reduce the risk of complications. If your child takes regular medication, please speak to the team in advance — we may advise that some medicines still be taken with a small sip of water.
Arriving at the Hospital
Please arrive at the admissions lounge on the 2nd floor (Lift A) at 07:15am. If you arrive later than 07:25am, your child’s place on the surgical list may be affected.
We’ll check your child’s height and weight to calculate their medication doses. A nurse will also check their temperature, pulse, oxygen levels and blood pressure. Two ID bands will be applied — white if your child has no allergies, red if they do.
For girls aged 12 and above, a pregnancy test is standard practice before any surgery under general anaesthetic.
Going into Surgery
You’ll accompany your child to the anaesthetic room next to the operating theatre. Here, the anaesthetist will go through everything with you before gently helping your child fall asleep using one of two methods:
- Liquid anaesthetic through a cannula in the hand or arm
- Gas via a face mask
If needed, numbing cream is applied in advance to minimise discomfort. If your child is very anxious, we can discuss giving a mild sedative (‘premedication’) to help them relax. You’ll leave the room once they’re asleep and the surgery begins.
After Surgery
Your child will be taken to Recovery where they’ll be closely monitored as they wake up. Once they’re alert and comfortable, they’ll return to the ward to rest. Our team will continue to check their pain levels, vital signs and surgical site.
Before your child can go home, they will need to:
- Drink fluids
- Eat something
- Pass urine
If your child hasn’t met these criteria by 8pm, or needs extended monitoring, we may arrange an overnight transfer to a specialist paediatric unit at Great Ormond Street or the Cromwell Hospital.
Follow-Up
After your visit, a member of the Children’s Pre-Assessment Team will follow up with you to see how your child is recovering and whether you need any further support.
What is a General Anaesthetic?
A general anaesthetic helps your child sleep through surgery. It includes pain relief and is closely monitored by an anaesthetist throughout the procedure. Your child will be fully unconscious and will not feel or remember the operation.
Side effects are rare, but we want you to feel fully informed. Most are mild and short-lived, but some are more serious.
Common:
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleepiness or headaches
Uncommon:
- Tooth, gum or lip damage
- Breathing issues
- Secondary infection
Rare:
- Eye or nerve damage
- Allergic reaction
- Waking during surgery