Preparing for your gastroenterology (GI) surgery/procedure

Thank you for choosing Children’s Health℠ for your child’s medical care. In order to prepare you for your child’s upcoming GI surgery/procedure, below you will find information about important reminders about fasting and illness. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the GI Lab at 214-456-8018.

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Parking

The GI Lab is located in Children's Medical Center (main hospital). We offer valet parking as well as self parking. Learn more or text "app" to 77444 to download our new mobile app.

Check-in

Once you reach the main entrance, you must check-in and the patient must be admitted. You will need:

Photo I.D.
Insurance Card
Paperwork indicating legal guardianship, if applicable

For your child’s protection and the protection of other patients, please do not enter the hospital if you are ill and do not bring visitors under the age of 5. This is due to infection control/prevention policies.

How do I prepare my child for surgery?

Pre-Surgery Fasting

To prevent aspiration under anesthesia and nausea post-surgery, you child may not eat or drink prior to surgery. For the safety of your child, we will cancel the surgery if your child eats or drinks after the times provided below.

NO food allowed after: _______________ (includes gum and candy)
NO unclear liquids allowed after: _______________ (includes milk, juice or soda)
NO breast milk allowed after: _______________
NO formula allowed after: _______________
NO clear liquids allowed after: _______________ (includes water, Pedialyte®, Gatorade® or apple juice)

What do I need to bring?

Bring your child dressed in comfortable clothing. Please leave jewelry and any valuables at home.
If your child wears contact lenses, bring solution and a case.
Pack a favorite blanket, pillow, toy or stuffed animal. Your child will be allowed to take this to surgery.
If your child has a favorite bottle or cup, please bring it with you.
Pack a pillow/blanket for the car ride home.

Illness Within 30 Days of Procedure

For your child’s safety, our policy requires that surgery be postponed if your child has had the following symptoms or diagnoses within 30 days of the procedure:

Fever greater than 100
Wheezing
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cough
Known exposure (TB, Measles,
Mumps, Rubella, or Chicken Pox)
RSV
Bronchiolitis
Flu
Upper Respiratory Infection

Please contact Children’s Health if your child becomes ill at any time before the date of surgery. This notification gives you the opportunity to discuss whether your child’s surgery/procedure needs to be rescheduled.

GI Clinic: 214-456-8000
GI Lab: 214-456-8018

Again, we thank you for choosing Children’s Health. It is our privilege to serve your family.