Before hip spica surgery

Your child will be seen in the Orthopedic Clinic sometime before their surgery. Routine procedures will be done to be sure your child is in good general health. 

• A nurse will ask many questions about your child to get their medical history. They will take your child's temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and weight. They may collect blood and urine samples.
• X-rays may be ordered.
• If your child is sick, has an ear infection, a cold, or is running a fever, call the clinic before this visit. Surgery may need to be scheduled at later date.
• A blood transfusion is sometimes needed. If this is possible, your child will have a type and cross matched for blood. Your doctor will talk with you about this.
• The anesthesiologist (doctor who puts your child to sleep) will talk with you about the anesthesia used during surgery.
• Coughing, deep breathing, and clearing secretions from the lungs lowers the risk of pneumonia after surgery. If your child understands, they will be taught coughing and deep breathing exercises. They may be taught how to use a small breathing device also. This helps with coughing, deep breathing, and clearing the lungs.
• You will be taught how to help your child’s pain. Your care team wants you to take an active role in making sure your child's pain is minimal.

Check in at the pre-op area at the time you are given. The nurse will:

• Take your child's temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
• Put an identification band on your child
• Ask you some questions
• Answer your questions

Then, your child will go to the Presurgical Care Unit (PSCU). You may go with your child. You can stay with them until they go to the operating room. 

While your child is in surgery, you can wait in the Pediatric Surgery Family Lounge on level 4 of Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The doctors will talk with you here when the surgery is done.