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Coming for Surgery
On this site you’ll find important information and resources to help your child prepare for surgery. This information is specific to children and families coming for surgery or procedures under general anesthetic (helping you fall into a deep sleep) at SickKids. While this resource provides general guidance, it is important to consult your health-care team for details specific to your child's surgery and care.
We hope that you have a comfortable and positive experience at SickKids.
Are you coming for heart surgery?
Visit the Coming for Heart (Cardiac) Surgery page for specific instructions for cardiac patients.
Please download and use the Coming for Surgery Workbook (PDF) to help inform and prepare you for surgery at SickKids. We encourage you to review and complete this workbook and bring it with you on the day of surgery.
This video will show you what to expect on the day of surgery at SickKids, helping you to prepare by introducing you to the types of people you'll meet along the way and walking you through the typical process.
The Coming for Surgery Learning Hub offers patients and their families valuable information on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect on the day of the procedure.
The workbook is also available in the following languages:
Learn more about steps you can take at home to prepare for surgery.
2. Days Before Surgery: Important Instructions
All patients/families preparing for surgery must review this information.
Review information that will make your experience smoother on the day of surgery.
Learn what to expect as your child wakes up after surgery, and how to care for them at home.
Helpful tips
- If your child is sick in the 2 weeks leading up to surgery, please contact 416-813-7654 Ext. 227502 and leave a message. A nurse will return your call.
- If you are running late on the day of surgery, please contact the Pre-Operative Care Unit (Pre-Op) at 416-813-5088.
- For any questions, please contact the surgeon’s office.
- Arrive 2 hours before your surgery time to the pre-operative care unit unless otherwise indicated by your health-care team.
- Follow NPO guidelines (PDF) (important instructions for stopping eating and drinking before anesthesia or sedation).
- Follow instructions for bathing at home (PDF) before a procedure.
- Bring your child's health card & legal custody documents.
- Bring your child's medication (or a photo of medication).
- Upon arrival, your child will be expected to remove all personal clothing/accessories and change into a hospital gown.
- On the day of surgery if your child is having their period, use a pad instead of a tampon.
- Tie back long hair with plastic (non-metallic) hair elastics.
- Youth who arrive alone for their procedure must have a caregiver arrive for after-care and transport home from the hospital.
Masking is voluntary in all areas of SickKids for patients, families, and staff members but everyone is welcome to wear a mask if they want to. Masks are available at the main entrances of the hospital and within each department or clinical area.
Family presence and patient visiting policies for family caregivers, siblings and visitors depends on the area of SickKids you are visiting or staying.
Safety and infection prevention
If you are not feeling well or have any symptoms, please make every effort to find someone else who can bring your child to the hospital.
Construction in the Atrium parking garage
There is ongoing construction in the parking garage. To plan ahead of your visit, please check for parking updates.
Contact
For questions please contact your surgeon’s office or the Pre-Operative Care Unit (Pre-Op) at 416-813-5088.
If your child is coming for surgery at SickKids and they are sick in the two weeks before surgery, you can call the Illness Reporting Line at 416-813-7654 Ext. 227502 and leave a message. A nurse will be in contact with you.
SickKids uses an Operating Room Data Recorder (ORDR) system in three surgical rooms to collect video and audio data to assist the organization with quality improvement and safety initiatives.