At Specialist Network, we understand that preparing your child for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make this experience calm, safe, and reassuring as possible. Knowing what to do before the day can help both you and your child feel confident and prepared.
1. Fasting Before Surgery
For any procedure under general anaesthetic, your child must have an empty stomach. This helps prevent stomach contents from entering the lungs during anaesthesia.
Fasting too long can also be harmful, especially for babies and young children who are more prone to dehydration and low blood sugar. This can increase irritability and post-operative nausea.
General fasting guidelines include:
-No food or milk for 6 hours before anaesthetic (including milk, soup, juice with pulp, or tea with milk).
-Small sips of clear fluids — ideally with sugar, such as apple juice — allowed up to 1 hour before.
-Breast milk may continue up to 4 hours before surgery.
For some bowel operations, a “clear out” may be needed — your care team will advise if this applies.
2. What to Wear and Bring
Choose loose, cotton clothing such as pyjamas. Avoid metal zips, studs, or synthetic fabrics that create static.
Remove all jewellery and nail polish before surgery, as these can interfere with medical monitoring.
Even for day procedures, it’s helpful to pack a small overnight bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and comfort items in case your child needs to stay overnight. We also recommend bringing comfort items and toys, as well as books, games and/ or an iPad to help pass the time in the waiting room.
3. Documentation, Medications, and Logistics
Before surgery, confirm insurance details and bring your Medicare and health fund cards. If you need a medical certificate for work or school, ask ward staff when you arrive.
Bring any regular medications your child takes. Most can be taken with a small sip of water before surgery — confirm with your care team if you’re unsure.
At home, keep paracetamol (Panadol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen) on hand for pain relief once the local anaesthetic wears off. If antibiotics or extra medications are needed, prescriptions will be provided.
Plan your transport and organise care for other children or dependents. You’ll need to focus on your recovering child for the next 24 hours, so having support arranged makes a big difference.
Dr Richard Thompson, an experienced and reputable Paediatric Surgeon from Gold Coast Paediatric Surgery is currently taking appointments.
To book or enquire, please contact our friendly staff at Specialist Network today on 1300 030 742 or visit our website.