Children - general information for parents prior to children's surgery

The following information encompasses everything you need to know before your child’s surgery. We assume responsibility for you and your child going through the surgery in the safest and most relaxed way, and we will do our best to minimize the anxiety and uncertainty which accompanies the procedure.
On your part, it is vital that you follow the instructions outlined above, to ensure that your child arrives ready for the anesthesia and surgery.

What should you bring on the day of the operation?

Please make sure to arrive on time, at your designated appointment.

Please bring the following documents:
1. Medical documents detailing your child’s health in the past and in the present, such as:
✔A letter from a pediatrician outlining the child’s medical state, including medication, allergies and more.
✔A letter from the surgeon about the planned operation.
✔Lab tests - if you were required to perform them pre-op.
✔Imaging tests - if you were required to perform them pre-op.
✔A release letter from hospital, in case of prior hospitalization due to diseases or surgeries.
2. Financial obligation for the surgery from Kupat Cholim (healthcare provider) or an insurance company.
3. ID + addendum
4. In case of divorced parents, you must bring a written consent, authorizing the surgery and anesthesia, signed by both parents.
5. If possible, a child should be accompanied by two people, one of whom must be a parent or official guardian (and carry relevant documents).
6. Comfortable clothes for your child, as well as a change of clothes, diapers if needed, toys, games, favorite music and books/audio-books, beloved blanket or other transitional object. Please refrain from bringing paint, play dough, slime, etc’.
7. Food and drink/formula for your child (following examination and approval by the post-op healthcare staff)
8. We recommend you bring a stroller/pram.

* Please be advised that Rephael Hospital is not liable for storage and loss of belongings, and avoid leaving any valuables unattended.

Duration of stay

The duration of your child’s stay at the hospital depends on the duration of the specific required test, operation and recovery of the child. It is therefore important that you plan accordingly, so that you are not under any pressure to return home at any particular time (for example, arrange for child care for your other children). If the procedure includes hospitalization, you will be directed to the Inpatient Department.

We view the parents as part of the team. A good spirit and trust on your part will contribute to a pleasant experience for your child.

Possible causes for postponement of your child’s surgery

There are several reasons for a possible delay in the surgery, among them:
1. If your child is feeling unwell in the days prior to the procedure
2. If your child has contracted a children’s disease
3. If your child has a fever
4. If your child is coughing or has a cold
5. If your child is getting antibiotics
If any of the above cases applies to you, please call the hospital/surgeon as soon as possible to decide whether the surgery can be performed on schedule.

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a medical action which enables us to operate on the child, while he/she remains comfortable and feels no pain. The person in charge of anesthesia is a specialist doctor called an anesthesiologist. Apart from managing the anesthesia itself, the role of an anesthesiologist is to keep track of your child’s vital signs and the correct function of all bodily systems during the operation. The anesthesiologist stays by your child’s side throughout the operation and recovery, and along with the surgeon is in charge of your child’s safety and wellbeing.

Why is it required to fast before anesthesia?

During anesthesia, the respiratory defense mechanism is suppressed, so there is a danger that the contents of the stomach will penetrate into the lungs and cause complications. To reduce the risk, it is important that the stomach be empty of food while the child is anesthetized. It is therefor critical that fasting times are observed:

Food Minimal fasting time
Clear fluids (including ice) 1 hour
Breast milk 4 hours
Breast milk substitutes (baby formula) 6 hours
Light meal 6 hours

Preparation for surgery

Preparation for surgery is a significant step in which you and your child will meet with the anesthesiologist for a chat and receive a comprehensive explanation about the anesthesia process, including what is expected to happen before, during and after surgery. The explanations will be delivered in a clear, plain and delicate language, adapted to the child’s age.

If you are uncertain about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to ask. The staff is committed to ensuring a pleasant experience for your child and you.

It is essential that you share the following information with the anesthesiologist:

1. The child’s health: background diseases, medication and development.
2. Allergies/sensitivities for medication/food/other substances.
3. Information about previous operations or other issues (coughing, cold, runny nose, wheezing, hoarseness, snoring).
4. Complications during anesthesia for other family members (family history).

Following a physical examination, the anesthesiologist will elaborate on the anesthesia plan and what you should expect top happen to your child step by step.