At  McKenzie Surgery Center, we work hard to meet the special needs of children and create a relaxed and comfortable environment.  Children can bring a favorite toy, blanket or video to the center.  We also encourage parents to discuss the surgery beforehand to help alleviate stress.

Parents/guardians are able to stay with their child until surgery.  To help children through the process, a parent/guardian is allowed into the operating room until the child is asleep.  Parents/guardians are able to rejoin their child as soon as they have safely awakened from the anesthesia.  We recommend that one adult drives while another cares for the child.

Having a procedure can be a stressful event for a child, we encourage parents to discuss what to expect beforehand.  We also encourage a visit and tour prior to day of the procedure.  Tour times are best in the late afternoon before 4:00 p.m. Please call in advance to coordinate.
 
Infants may have formula up to 6 hours before to surgery, breast milk up to 4 hours before surgery and clear liquids up to 3 hours before surgery.  Children may not have any food after midnight the day before surgery.  They may have clear liquids only up to 3 hours before their procedure. Clear liquids include Jell-O without fruit, and any liquid you can see through.