At Scottish Rite for Children, outpatient surgery allows your child to have a procedure and return home the same day. Our team focuses on making the experience smooth, safe and as comfortable as possible for your family.
From preparing at home to heading back home after surgery, you will know what to expect at each stage. Our surgeons, preoperative nurses and child life specialists work together to support your child and help them feel at ease.
Before Surgery
Getting ready for outpatient surgery begins before your child’s procedure. Your care team will explain what to expect and share clear instructions to help you prepare.
How to Prepare
Your child may need preoperative appointments or tests before surgery. You will also receive guidance about eating, drinking and medications.
Following these instructions carefully helps your child arrive ready for surgery:
- Share your child’s medications and medical history
- Complete any recommended tests or appointments
- Follow all eating, drinking and medication guidelines
If your child becomes sick before surgery, let your care team know as soon as possible. This helps determine whether it is safe to move forward as planned.
The Day Before Surgery
A nurse will call you the business day before surgery to review key details and answer any questions.
During this call, you will learn:
- When to arrive
- Guidelines for eating and drinking
- How the day will be structured
This conversation helps you feel ready and know what the schedule will look like.
What to Bring
Since your child will return home the same day, you only need to bring a few essential items:
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
- Any required medical items or documents
You may also want to bring a favorite small toy or blanket to help your child feel more relaxed while you wait.
The Day of Surgery
It is normal to feel a mix of emotions on the day of surgery. When you arrive, our team will help you get settled and walk you through what happens next.
Most families should plan to arrive early and stay for several hours.
Your child will move through each step in a calm, organized setting:
- Check in and receive an identification bracelet
- Wait in waiting area
- Staff will call you back to PreOp room
- Have vital signs checked
- Change into a hospital gown
- Meet members of the surgical and anesthesia team
You can stay with your child until it is time for the procedure.
During Surgery
While your child is in surgery, you will wait in a designated area. Our team will keep you updated via text messaging or a phone call to your cell phone.
You may receive:
- A phone update during longer procedures
- A way to follow your child’s progress during surgery, such as updates displayed in the waiting area
- Guidance on when your child is ready for recovery
If you miss a call, the team will reach out again to keep you informed.
Recovery
Right After Surgery
After surgery, your child will move to a recovery area where the care team will monitor them as they wake up.
You will be able to join your child once they are ready.
Your child may feel sleepy, experience mild discomfort or need time before eating and drinking. These responses are expected and usually improve quickly.
Heading Home
Most children are ready to go home within a few hours. Before you leave, your care team will review instructions so you feel comfortable continuing care at home.
You will receive guidance on:
- Pain management
- Activity and recovery
- Follow-up care
After You Return Home
Once home, your child will continue to recover in a familiar environment.
It is common for children to experience:
- Mild pain or soreness
- Tiredness
- Temporary changes in appetite
Most children begin to feel better within a few days.
If something does not seem right or symptoms do not improve, contact your clinical care team for guidance.
If you need additional support, our Social Work team can help connect you with resources.
Supporting Your Child
Even with a same-day procedure, surgery can feel unfamiliar or stressful for children. Our team focuses on caring for the whole child, including their emotional well-being.
Child life specialists use age-appropriate language and activities to help children understand what is happening. This can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more comfortable.
Simple steps, like bringing familiar items from home and offering reassurance, can also make a meaningful difference.
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Pediatric outpatient surgery includes procedures that allow your child to go home the same day, without an overnight hospital stay.
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Yes. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Our experienced team, specialized pediatric approach and safety protocols help ensure a safe outcome.
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Your care team works to minimize pain during and after surgery. You will receive clear instructions to help manage your child’s comfort at home.