Patient Information

Preparing for Surgery

Thank you for choosing Hunterdon Center for Surgery for your upcoming surgery or procedure.  Please refer to the pre-operative instructions below in preparation for your surgical procedure.

Pediatric Patients

Our staff is experienced in caring for the pediatric patient. Our goal is to keep parent and child together as much as possible during the operative experience. A parent can accompany their child into the operating room and remain with them until they’re asleep. When surgery is over, we reunite parent and child as soon as it’s clinically safe. The Center has developed a pediatric emergency preparedness program that has been published in several industry magazines and received recognition at the national meeting for ambulatory surgical centers. The center is proud to have received the Hunterdon Healthcare Patient Safety champion award for this program.

Helping Your Child Through Surgery

Guidance and Support for a Smooth Surgical Experience

Hunderdon Center for Surgery is committed to providing quality care to pediatric patients and their families.

We understand that surgery can be a stressful experience. Our experienced medical and nursing staff are here to ensure your child’s comfort, safety, and well-being from start to finish.

The information below offers tips and insights to help make surgery day go smoothly for both you and your child.

If you have questions or need clarification at any point before your child’s procedure, please contact our preoperative nurses: (908)-806-7017 x 210.

Preparing for Surgery

Complete Your Child’s Health History

Once scheduled, you’ll receive a link by text or email. This helps our anesthesiologist understand your child’s medical needs.

Add any helpful details and feel free to reach out with concerns. A nurse may contact you if more clarification is needed.

Questions? Call our pre-op nurses: (908)-806-7017 x 210

Day of Surgery

On Surgery Day

It helps to bring a comfort item (blanket or toy). A nurse will check vital signs and help your child change into a gown.

You will meet with your surgeon and anesthesiologist in the preop area.

Only one caregiver may accompany your child into the OR for anesthesia. Plan this in advance to avoid stress. That person should eat beforehand and be ready to provide calm, positive support.

Help Tip: Children may feel anxious – your presence and calm attitude are the most helpful things you can provide.

During Surgery

During Surgery: What to Expect

When it’s time for surgery, a circulating nurse will guide you and your child into the operating room. It’s completely normal for children to feel overwhelmed at this moment. Your calm presence and encouragement are vital.

If your child is receiving anesthesia through a mask, expect a short delay (about 30-60 seconds) before they fall asleep. During this phase, they may move or twitch – this is called the “excitation phase” and is completely normal. Your child will be unconscious and unaware during this stage.

Help Tip: Too much consoling during induction can increase anxiety. A steady, positive attitude is more reassuring than words.

If your child has an IV in place, they may fall asleep faster. Once anesthesia begins, you’ll be guided back to the waiting area.

After Surgery

After Surgery: The Recovery Phase

After the procedure, the surgeon will meet with you to explain how everything went and answer your questions.

As your child wakes up, the recovery team will:

• Monitor their vital signs
• Manage pain and comfort
• Provide oxygen or fluids as needed

You’ll be brought to your child’s bedside as soon as it’s safe to do so. This is a great time to offer gentle reassurance and comfort.