Pediatric Outpatient Surgery Information

At the Children鈥檚 Hospital of Georgia, most elective surgery is on an outpatient basis, without the need for admission to the hospital. This benefits both our young patients and their families, allowing for return to school and work more quickly. It also decreases the risk of infection and helps lower health care costs.

The most common surgical procedures are outpatient, and include:

  • Inguinal hernia repair
  • Umbilical hernia repair
  • Circumcision
  • Excision of masses/cysts
  • Biopsy of masses
  • Orchiopexy (surgery for undescended testicles)
  • Endoscopy (scope to examine GI tract)

What to Expect Prior to, During & After Surgery

We prepare your child for surgery during an outpatient clinic visit, which includes an examination. During the visit, we discuss the surgery in detail, answering patient and family questions and concerns, and set a date for surgery.  The pre-op team contacts you by phone prior to surgery to complete the pre-op process.

On the day of surgery, a child life specialist will greet you and your child, and help guide you through the process. To decrease his/her anxiety, your child will receive medicine prior to being taken to the operating room. A nurse will place the IV after your child is put to sleep. You are able to stay with your child until he goes to the operating room, then join him directly after surgery in the recovery room. Phone calls from our team will keep you updated throughout the procedure. You may also request a beeper, if you choose.

You will be able to stay with your child from the time he arrives in recovery until he is discharged, usually from 45 to 80 minutes after surgery. Our team will provide you with phone numbers in the event of questions or problems, and you will receive a follow-up telephone call to make sure that your child is doing well after the procedure.