FIRST OPD VISIT

• Pre-surgical OPD Assessment: Your child’s health will be evaluated by the pediatric nurse in the OPD, including checking their height, weight, and vital signs.
• Meeting the Surgeon in the OPD: when you meet your surgeon for the first time in the OPD, be sure to lay out your concerns clearly. Carry previous investigation documents, even photos of the developing disease/problem if your child is usually agitated and refuses examination.
• Prior medical/surgical history: be sure to carry documentation of any past surgical procedures you child might have undergone or antenatal scans which maybe of value for proper evaluation and documentation purposes.
• Review of Medications: You’ll be asked about all medicines your child takes, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies. You’ll receive specific instructions about which medicines should continue or be stopped, if surgery is planned.
• The surgeon will examine your baby and prescribe required tests and advice medications if any, or suggest further plan of action or observation and followup after a certain duration.

FOLLOWUP VISIT/PRESURGICAL APPOINTMENTS

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• On further such followup visits or if surgery is indicated emergently, before surgery, your surgeon will explain why the surgery is needed, how it will help, and what will happen during the procedure. The surgeon will also tell you about any possible risks or problems that could happen (called “complications”), so you know what to watch for and what to expect.
• Pre-operative Appointment: You will meet the surgical and anesthesia teams, often in a pre-surgery appointment, where you should bring your insurance information, ID, medication list, and any recent X-rays or test results.
• Questions and Planning: Staff will explain what will happen during and after surgery. This is a good time to ask about anesthesia, pain management, and what to expect during recovery.
• Before the Day of Surgery: You’ll be given an arrival time, which is often the night before the surgery or early in the morning on the day of surgery. Make sure your child does not have features of cough or cold, so it is prudent to protect them during inclement weather as respiratory infections may postpone routine surgeries.
• Comfort and Emotional Support: It’s helpful to bring your child’s comfort items (e.g., a clean stuffed animal or blanket). You can encourage your child to express their feelings and questions, as open discussion can ease anxiety.
• The surgical site may be marked with a special marker. Your child will meet the cannulation team, and a numbing cream might be applied where IV access is needed.
• Fasting Instructions: Your child will need to fast (no food or drink) for a certain period (usually 6 hours for solids) before surgery to ensure their stomach is empty for anesthesia. You’ll receive detailed instructions on exactly when to stop giving your child solids and liquids—this is very important, as not following these instructions could delay or cancel the surgery.
• Bathing and Hygiene: You may be asked to bathe your child the night before or morning of surgery, sometimes with a special soap to lessen infection risks. Your child should wear clean clothes, and items like jewelry, nail polish, and contact lenses should be removed.
• Signing Consent: The surgeon will reexplain the procedure and expected outcomes/complications and ask you to sign a consent form. This means you understand what the surgery is, why it’s being done, and the possible risks. You have a chance to ask any questions before you sign.

By closely following these instructions and preparing in advance, you can help reduce your child’s risk of complications and make the experience less stressful for both of you.