Children's Surgical Services
At WakeMed, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of health care services for children at our Raleigh Campus as well as at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary and WakeMed North Healthplex in North Raleigh.
Our goal is to make sure your visit is a positive experience that restores your child to the best possible health. We hope the following information is helpful and answers your questions about pediatric surgical services at WakeMed.
Two of a Kind
There are two types of patients who come to our Day Surgery Center:
Typical Day of Surgery
The following schedule is a general overview that should help you and your child understand just what happens on a typical day of surgery. Please keep in mind that some things may vary depending on each individual situation.
 Registration: You and your child will enter the hospital through the Patient Registration entrance. Simply travel up the escalator or elevator to the Day Surgery registration desk, speak with the receptionist to let her know you have arrived, and have a seat in the waiting room. An admitting counselor will ask to speak with you and will verify all patient information in the computer. You will also be asked to sign consents for treatment and insurance billing.
Next, you will be directed to the pre-op area, where someone will check your child's weight and take you to your pre-op room. There your child will change into a patient gown or hospital pajamas. Younger children can then go to the playroom or computer to play. We also offer age-appropriate activities for young adults.
In the pre-op area, you will meet with your child's pre-op nurse, doctor, anesthesiologist and other surgical staff. You will be asked several questions, many of which will probably be repeated. We want to make sure we have accurate information to ensure quality care. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
The nurse will give your child a quick pre-op check-up. Then a child life specialist will meet with you both to help calm any fears your child may have and to help your child know what to expect with developmentally helpful language and teaching materials. She can also teach your child ways to cope with the different "hard parts" of the day. Children usually do better if they know what will happen, how it will feel, and what they are expected to do.
Two family members are allowed to be with the child or teen in the pre-op area. Operating room nurses will escort your child from the pre-op area to the procedure room.
 During Surgery/ Waiting Room: After your child goes to the Operating Room, please return to the waiting room. Families should wait in this area until surgery is over. A parent or caregiver will need to remain in the waiting room at all times while your child is in surgery. We need to be able to find you if there are concerns.
The surgeon will discuss your child's procedure with you after surgery in the waiting room. While you're waiting, we suggest you make a list of any questions you want to ask your child's physician or nurse.
After Surgery - Outpatients Only: Most patients stay in the recovery room for one to two hours after surgery. Staff will notify you when you can visit your child. Most children will be able to have juice or soda to drink during recovery. We also have popsicles available.
Discharge Information: You will receive verbal and written discharge instructions on the care of your child at home, as well as any necessary prescriptions. Most of the operations performed in day surgery require very little physical care, other than the occasional bandage changes.
You will be given the telephone numbers of the surgeon and anesthesiologist on call if you have any questions later in the day. A nurse will call you to ask how you and your child are doing the day following surgery.
Other Helpful Hints
Check Us Out!
WakeMed's Day Surgery Center offers pre-operative tours to help you prepare your child or teenager for surgery. The tour is both educational and interactive, allowing you and your child to become familiar with what to expect on the day of surgery.
Visiting the hospital before being admitted can help patients cope with their fears and any anxiety. It can also assure them that there is a beginning and an end to a hospital stay. Brothers, sisters and other family members are welcome on the tour. Please call 919-350-7166 for more tour information or if you and your child would like to discuss the upcoming hospital visit with us by phone.
Reading About Hospitals
There are several books you can read to your child before his/her surgery date. Check with your local library for a complete listing. Helpful websites include:
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