Your child is scheduled for craniofacial surgery on: ____________________________

The name of the procedure is called: _______________________________________

Surgery is being performed due to the following condition:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Your child’s surgeon is: ____________________________________________________

Your child’s pre-operative appointment is on: __________________________ at ______________________

Be sure to ask about our pre-operative tours to prepare your child for surgery.

Before surgery:
Your child’s plastic surgeon may recommend that a CT scan be performed prior to the surgery if one has not already been done. This test may require oral sedation medication to help your child lay still for about 20 minutes.

Details of the surgery and recovery period will be explained to you at the pre-operative visit and all of your questions will be answered. If your child has other medical conditions, he may also need to see the Anesthesiology staff during this visit. It is required that the child scheduled for surgery be accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian at both the pre-operative appointment and on the day of surgery.

The incision for this surgery will be from ear to ear across the scalp in a zig-zag fashion. This incision allows normal hair growth after surgery. Absorbable stitches will be used and you will be shown how to take care of the incision while your child is in the hospital. No hair will be shaved, however, we ask that you get your child’s hair cut short-either a buzz cut or a style that is no more than an inch or so long. We also ask that you wash your child’s hair with HIBICLENS anti- bacterial soap each night for 3 nights before surgery. This soap can be purchased at your local drug store and you will need just a small amount of it. The soap can irritate the eyes so it is best to have two adults doing these hair washes- one to wash, and one to make sure the eyes are protected.

It is very likely that your child will require a blood transfusion during and perhaps immediately after the surgery. Pre-operative blood work will need to be drawn the day before surgery. Please bring your child to the MAIN LAB the day before to the surgery sometime between the hours of 8AM and 5PM for this blood testing. If you live out of town and need assistance with a place to stay while you are in town for your child’s surgery, please let us know and we will refer you to the Ronald McDonald House.

The Same Day Surgery nurses will call you in the afternoon the weekday before to your child’s surgery.  They will review what time you need to arrive at the hospital, where to park, and what time to stop giving your child food and liquids. They will need to speak to you directly. If it is not likely you will be home or you do not have an answering machine where they can leave a message to return their call, you may want to take their number and call them that afternoon. They can be reached at (816) 234-3534.

Please call the Plastic Surgery nurses at (816) 234-3687 if your child becomes ill with a fever, vomiting or upper respiratory infection before the surgery. Also, if your child has been exposed to chickenpox, measles, or mumps up to 21 days prior to surgery, please let us know. We may need to reschedule the surgery.

Day of Surgery

Your child will be admitted through the Same Day Surgery department on the second floor of the hospital.  He will be weighed and measured by the nurses and examined by the surgeon. Your child may bring a favorite toy, blanket, or special item to the hospital and into the operating room.

The surgeon and anesthesiologist will speak with you before the surgery. When your child goes to the operating room, you will be shown to the waiting room. Most children will go to sleep with anesthesia given by mask. An IV will be started after your child is asleep. A nurse will keep you informed of your child’s progress during the surgery. The surgeon will talk to you when the surgery is over and your child is in the Recovery Room.

After Surgery

Your child will be admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after surgery. The Pediatric Intensivists (specially trained intensive care doctors) will co-manage your child’s care with the surgeon. You will be able to see your child about one hour after he arrives in the PICU. This gives the nurses time to settle your child. He will be monitored very closely - especially his breathing status, neurological status and for bleeding.

You are encouraged to be with your child in the PICU as much as you want.  You cannot sleep in the room. There is a parent lounge next to the PICU where you can sleep/rest. There are also a limited number of sleep rooms in the Ronald McDonald Family Room for parents of children in the Intensive Care Units. The PICU staff will help you make arrangements.

There will be a turban like dressing on your child’s head. There will also be a drain coming from the incision. The drain will be removed in a few days when the amount of drainage decreases. There will be several IV’s and wires that are connected to monitors that will assist in monitoring your child’s vital signs. Your child may be breathing well on his own. Your child’s face will likely swell beginning the day after surgery. The eyes may even swell shut for a day or so. Keeping the head of the bed elevated will help this swelling. You will be able to hold your child as soon as some of the monitors and IV’s are removed the morning after surgery.