What to Expect
If you are scheduled to visit with the General Surgery team — for a test, a procedure or surgery — you'll want to come prepared.
In this section, we'll help you find out what to expect before, during and after a visit and get the answers to some common questions.
We have never once felt that our son's g-tube surgery was not significant in the eyes of the General Surgery team. They really care, no matter how small the surgery. They definitely go the extra mile!
~ Shannon Gonsalves, parent, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.
General Surgery Clinic
We are working to make your experience in the General Surgery Clinic even better. Our goals are to:
- Schedule your child’s clinic appointment with just one phone call, at a time that works for your family
- Make sure your child’s clinic visit goes smoothly and that you don’t have to wait long
- Answer all of the questions that you and your child have
- Make sure you and your child understand the information you need before the day of surgery
Even before you come for your first clinic visit, you probably have many questions about Children's and how to prepare your child. Get more information about your child's clinic visit on the main hospital Web site, including:
- Important things to do before the appointment
- Tips on helping your child feel safer about the upcoming visit
- Paperwork to remember the day of the appointment
- Suggested questions to ask your child's doctor
- How to prepare for care at home
What happens during a clinic visit?
After check-in, a medical assistant will take you and your child to an exam room. Next, depending on the reason for the visit, you and your child may see more than one member of the General Surgery team.
Your child's doctor may order some tests, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scans.
Sometimes, we have children go to the lab for blood tests. Your child may need follow-up clinic visits and possibly more testing.
A lot of preoperative anxiety stems from what is unknown, so I educate patients and families about anesthesia and what to expect when coming to the Surgery Center. By taking the time to walk families through what they will experience, the surgical process doesn't seem so scary.
~ Loris Valeros, nurse practitioner
Surgery
Preparing your child and yourself for surgery may help reduce your family's stress during this time.
Our team is committed to helping children who need surgery — and their families — cope well with the experience. We want you to know what's going to happen each step of the way.
We are working to make your experience on the day of your child’s surgery even better. Our goals are to:
- Work as a team in partnership with you to care for your child
- Answer all of the questions that you and your child have
- Start the surgery as close to the scheduled time as possible
- Move your child to a hospital room or discharge your child home as soon as they are ready
- Give you clear instructions on how to care for your child at home
Visit the main hospital Web site to learn more about what to expect if your child is having surgery, including:
- What to do once surgery is scheduled
- Tips to help your child feel safer about the surgery
- What to bring the day of surgery
- What to expect the day of surgery
- Helpful questions to ask your child's doctor
- How to prepare for care at home
Visit the main hospital Web site to find out what you need to know about your child's stay at Children's, including:
- Things to do before your child's arrival
- Preparing your child for a hospital stay
- What to expect during your child's stay
- Helpful questions to ask your child's doctor
- Information to help you after your child has been discharged