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Preparing for Heart (Cardiac) Surgery
At SickKids we aim to deliver individualized care for every patient, understanding a child’s cardiac journey from diagnosis to surgery will differ for every family. Just as your child’s care is unique, our cardiac surgical program is also very specialized. Below are a few key resources to help prepare you and your family as your child’s surgery approaches.
Preparing for surgery and how to care for your child after surgery
Visit our AboutKidsHealth hub to learn all about preparation for heart surgery, and how to care for your child after surgery including pain management and activity guidelines.
Eating and drinking (NPO) guidelines (specific to heart surgery)
It's important to follow fasting instructions. Your child's surgery may be cancelled if they have eaten or haven’t followed the fasting requirements for liquids.
Pre-operative bathing instructions
You play an important role in reducing your child's risk of infection by bathing or showering before a procedure. Bathing or showering with soap lowers the chance of a surgical site infection.
Parking is available under the hospital. Discounted parking passes are available for parents of patients and their frequent visitors. Check the parking page for construction notices.
Review the short term accommodation list to learn more about places to stay overnight close to the hospital.