At Children’s, our pediatric surgery team is experienced in caring for the wide variety of medical issues children may have, from hernias or appendicitis to cancer or birth defects. We work with specialists across the Children’s system any time a child needs surgery to provide comprehensive, safe, child-friendly care for all kinds of childhood illnesses, conditions or injuries, for all ages from infants to young adults.
Our team has specialized experience in all kinds surgery for children, and we work with other specialists across the Children’s system. Our pediatric surgical services include:
Evidence has shown that children do better when their surgical team specializes in caring for kids. Our team—including pediatric surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists—is specially trained and experienced in caring for children.
We perform more than 40,000 surgeries each year, from the most common outpatient procedures, to the most complex operations requiring specialized, multidisciplinary care.
Our hospital and surgical space is designed for children, from the colorful surroundings and pre-op playroom, to the child-sized blood pressure cuffs and other equipment and supplies.
Our anesthesiologists and pain management specialists know how to keep kids safe and comfortable in surgery and while they are healing. Because children lose fluids and heat more easily than adults, we make sure they stay hydrated with fluids and warm with special lights and blankets.
And we know the importance of keeping families at ease and informed. Whatever your child’s condition and needs, you will have the information and resources you need to feel confident caring for him after he goes home.
Studies show that children cope better with medical procedures when they are well prepared ahead of time. Parents are better able to help their children when they are better prepared as well.
Listen to your child, let him talk about his fears, and answer his questions honestly. Show that you are confident in his safety and the surgery’s success, and make sure he knows sickness and treatment are not punishments.
If you have any concerns, talk to us before the day of surgery and away from your child. In most cases, a nurse will call you a day or two before the surgery to give you instructions. You may be asked to call ahead for instructions the day before the surgery. A child life specialist will be available to help your child relax on the day of surgery. If possible, arrange in advance for care of your other children on the day of surgery, so you can focus on the child in our care.
We have most of the things your child will need during his stay. Children’s provides diapers, hospital gowns and slipper socks. We have breast pumps for breastfeeding mothers, or you may bring your own. We also provide toys for your child’s age and video games.
Each of our private rooms includes a hide-a-bed sofa, bathroom, television and telephone, and each floor has a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. You can eat in our cafeteria or have meals delivered to your child’s room. Our locations also provide a business center, family library and chapel.
Make sure to bring:
Your child’s legal guardian must come to the hospital with your child, in order to sign papers allowing us to do the surgery.
Before walking out the door to go to the hospital, check to make sure you have:
Please add an extra 15 minutes to your commute for parking. And smile! Put your child at ease by showing your confidence, not your concerns.
Let us know right away if your child has had any signs of illness, such as fever, a cold, vomiting or diarrhea. Also let us know if he has been exposed to chickenpox, or if anyone in your household has been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). If you need to cancel, let us know as soon as possible so the surgery can be rescheduled.
When your child is scheduled for surgery, you need to fill out a pre-anesthesia history form with health questions about your child. You can fill out this form in advance at home and save time. Choose the link for the location where your child is having surgery:
2620 Satellite Blvd.
Duluth, GA 30096-1204
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