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What to expect the day of surgery

At HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's, our emphasis is on keeping your children as safe and comfortable as possible. Learn what to expect with a surgical procedure and how to prepare your child, yourself and your family.

Surgery-related questions

The following questions can help prepare you and your children for surgical procedures at our hospital.

Before going to the hospital

Often, visiting the facility ahead of your procedure can reduce anxiety for you and your child. To schedule your personalized pre-procedure hospital tour today, or to get answers about common questions regarding a pediatric hospitalization, call our child life specialists at (720) 754-7717.

Questions to ask

  • Ask that any sedatives (sleep medicines) be given at the hospital and not at home before coming to the hospital.
  • Talk to the surgeon and others who will operate on your child.
    • Ask how much experience they have performing the operation.
    • It is important that you are confident in the ability of the people who will operate on your child.

The day of your child's surgery

Questions to ask

  • Talk to the surgeon about the part of your child’s body that will be operated on.
    • Ask the surgeon to mark the part to be operated on while you are in the room. This will make sure it is the correct part.
    • Make sure the surgeon marks only the correct part and nowhere else. Ask if you can stay with your child until the sedatives begin working and your child falls asleep.

After your child's surgery

Questions to ask

  • Ask if pediatric specialists will be caring for your child in the recovery area.
  • Do all that you can to make sure your child is safe after leaving the hospital
    • Ask about the care your child will need at home.
    • Get written instructions.
    • Get the names and phone numbers of people to call if you have questions or in case of an emergency.

Additional information about preparing your child and other family members for a pediatric surgical procedure