UMMCChildren's Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eating and drinking guidelines before my child’s surgery?
Foods and Medicines
Follow these instructions carefully to help ensure your child’s safety. If a child has solid food in his stomach at the time he receives anesthesia, there is a chance he could vomit and choke. Milk curdles in the stomach and acts as a solid food.
Stop all solid foods eight hours prior to your arrival time. Stop all non-human milk (cow's milk, almond milk, soy milk, and formula) six hours prior to your arrival time.
Please be sure to watch your child closely to avoid the possibility of your child eating something accidently.
- Breast Milk: If your child is less than 1 (one) year of age, breast milk is allowed up to four hours prior to your arrival time.
- Clear Liquids: Water, sugar water, apple juice, or Pedialyte® are allowed up to two hours prior to arrival time. No red or purple Pedialyte.
- Please do not eat or drink in front of your child. Children may not understand they cannot eat or drink when you do.
- Do not give your child any herbal medicines or vitamins. Give your child ONLY the medicines your doctor tells you to give the morning of the surgery.
- If your child uses nebulized breathing treatments at home it is recommended to give your child a breathing treatment the morning of surgery prior to arrival time.
When I arrive to Children’s of Mississippi, where do I go for my child’s surgery?
We are located at 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216. Visitors may park in Garage C located adjacent to the Sanderson Tower, which can be accessed directly from Woodrow Wilson. Once parked, you will walk into the Sanderson Tower and will check in at the registration desk on Level G (ground floor). After registration, you will be directed to the surgery waiting room on Level 1 for the next steps of the check-in process.
What can I expect before and after my child's surgery?
After checking in at registration, you and your child will wait in the surgery waiting area. A care team member will call your child's name and take both of you to the "vitals area," where they will check your child's height, weight, and vital signs.
Next, you will be guided to a private pre-op room, where your child will change into a hospital gown. While waiting, you will meet with:
- Your child's nurse
- A member of the surgery team
- A pediatric anesthesiologist
You may also meet a child life specialist that can help explain the surgery in a way that makes it easier for your child to understand and feel more comfortable.
We're here to support you and your child every step of the way! If you have any questions, please ask your care team.
What type of anesthesia will my child receive?
Your child will either receive anesthesia through a mask or an IV. Your child’s pediatric anesthesiologist will examine your child the day of surgery and talk with you to determine the best option for your child.
Will my child get an IV awake before surgery?
In most cases, your child will receive anesthesia through a face mask, avoiding the need for an IV while your child is awake. However, if medically necessary, your child may need to receive an IV awake in your child’s pre-op room. Your anesthesiologist will talk to you the day of surgery about the best anesthesia plan for your child. Child life specialists may be available to help your child cope with their IV start if needed.
Will my child be in pain? If so, how will my child’s pain be controlled?
Children’s of Mississippi is dedicated to keeping your child comfortable and experiencing the least amount of side effects as possible after surgery. Pain is a common symptom after surgery if your child has an incision, or cut. Your child’s medical team will be monitoring your child for any discomfort and/ or pain. If your child experiences these symptoms, your child may be given additional medication as needed.
If your child has an incision, they may receive a local anesthetic injection at the site during surgery. This medicine helps to relieve the initial pain that your child may experience; however, the injection will wear off within several hours. Your surgical team will provide recommendations to help you manage your child’s pain at home.
When can my child eat and drink AFTER surgery?
After surgery, your child's medical team will decide when your child may start drinking and eating again. Your child will be started off slowly, with clear liquids, such as water, juice and popsicles. Once your child is able to tolerate clear liquids, your child may eat a normal diet after leaving the hospital. It is advised to start with soft, easily digested foods and avoid high-fat or greasy foods for the first 24 hours after surgery.
How many visitors can come to the hospital with my child on the day of surgery?
Two adult caregivers may accompany the child for surgery. Please visit this page for more information regarding visitor policy and guidelines.