Why can't my child eat?
The information below are only suggestions.
Please consult your physician for the steps to best prepare you for your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.

Many patients are already anxious about their child's upcoming surgery and feel the food and drink restrictions for their child just adds to this anxiety. However, patients are anaesthetized (we prefer "taking a nap for surgery"), if something is caught in their throat, they cannot cough as they would when they are awake. So, for the patient's safety during anaesthesia and surgery, it's important for patients to have their stomachs empty.

Guidelines for NPO (nothing by mouth) are as follows:

		0-5 Months Old	6-36 Months Old	36+ Months Old
	Clear Liquids	2 Hours	2 Hours	2 Hours
	Breast Milk	4 Hours	6 Hours	N/A
	Formula	4 Hours	6 Hours	N/A
	Solids/Milk	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours

A light meal typically consists of toast and clear liquids. Meals that include fried or fatty foods or meat may prolong stomach emptying time. Both the amount and type of foods ingested must be considered when determining an appropriate fasting period. Clear liquids are liquids one could read print through, e.g. apple juice, Sprite, Pedialyte.

It's my first time at Kosair Children's Hospital, what do I do?

The information below are only suggestions.
Please consult your physician for the steps to best prepare you for your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.

If your child is coming to surgery, take the elevator to the 8th floor of Kosair Children's Hospital and complete your registration.

If your child is coming for CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Pulmonary Function testing, audiology or other tests take the elevator to the ground floor to complete registration.

After registration, you will be escorted into the pre-op area where a pre-op nurse will interview you about your child.

After the interview, you'll meet with an anaesthesia team member who will give you information on what to expect for your child and answer any other questions.

We at the PAA strive to make your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital as worry-free as possible.

What if my child is scared?

The information below are only suggestions.
Please consult your physician for the steps to best prepare you for your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.

Each patient's anaesthesia needs are unique and can vary depending on their health or type of surgery they require. Most often, a pre-medication, given through the mouth, the nose (as with a nose drop) or through an intravenous line helps the patient to relax. These medications reduce any anxiety children may be feeling about the surgery or missing their family. Also, these medications are potent memory suppressants - children usually do not recall separation from family or falling asleep after receiving these medications.

What do I do if my child has a cold?

The information below are only suggestions.
Please consult your physician for the steps to best prepare you for your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.

This is a common problem seen in surgery and anesthesia. The cold season is at its peak in the fall and in the spring. If your child has a cold prior to surgery, it is important to call your surgeon's office and make them aware of the situation. If the cold is associated with fever and/or yellow purulent discharge, it might be better to reschedule your child's surgery for a later date. The decision will be made based on your child's history, type of surgery, and the severity of the infection.

What should I do if my child has asthma?

The information below are only suggestions.
Please consult your physician for the steps to best prepare you for your visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.

Living in an allergy prone area, we see patients with asthma quite often. While each patient's asthma affects them differently, all patients should continue their home medications and/or normal inhaler schedule until the morning of the surgery. If necessary, most medication can be given with a small sip of water (this does not affect the food restriction guidelines). The goal is to have the patient be in the most optimal condition prior to surgery and controlling their asthma is an important part of having a safe and healthy visit to Kosair Children's Hospital.