Your child will be asked to go into the hospital the day before surgery or on the morning of surgery. The hospital will send you a letter with the exact date of admission.
The spinal team will meet you on the day of admission and answer any questions you have.
Fasting
Your child will be asked to fast from the night before surgery. This means no food or drink, including water. You will be told from what time they need to fast.
Fasting reduces the risk of anything in your child's stomach entering their lungs during surgery.
Girls age 12 or older
Girls age 12 or older need to have a pregnancy test before surgery. This is a routine safety precaution.
Even if a girl says they are not sexually active or have not yet had their first period, we must do this.
Surgery, x-rays and scans can carry a risk to unborn babies. We will need a sample of your child's wee in a cup to do the test.
Shower and hygiene
Your child will need to have a full shower with special antibacterial wash before surgery. This includes washing their hair. They should not use any hair gels, sprays or oils after this. They should brush their teeth and have maintained good dental health in the weeks before surgery with regular brushing.
Having clean skin and a clean mouth is important in preventing infection during surgery.
Tell your team if your child has acne or any other skin condition. Acne can affect your skin's ability to keep out germs and bacteria.
Other things that increase the risk of infection include:
- tanning creams and lotion
- long nails, nail varnish, false nails, gel nails or shellac - these must be removed before admission
- hair extensions, wigs or weaves - these must be removed before surgery
- false eyelashes
During spinal surgery
Your child may be offered medicine to help them feel relaxed. Doctors or nurses may attach a drip to your child's arm.
Staying with your child
A parent or guardian can come to the operating theatre. You can stay with your child until they are asleep under general anaesthetic.
Your child will be in surgery for a few hours. You will be kept up to date and can wait in the hospital or leave for a few hours. Make sure the spinal team has your contact phone number.