Preoperative Anesthesia Evaluation Center (PEC)

The Preoperative Anesthesia Evaluation Center (PEC) at Children’s Wisconsin will make sure that your child, and your family, are ready for surgery and anesthesia care. We offer a full anesthesia review, teaching about the surgery and help arrange care for your child while they are here. Our goal is to help get you ready and ensure a safe recovery. Our team includes a registered nurse coordinator, two nurse practitioners and a staff anesthesiologist. We work closely with other members of the health care team to make sure everything is ready for you and your child.

The surgeon may schedule a PEC visit for your child. If you do not have one scheduled but would like to visit the PEC, please call the surgeon’s office.

PEC visits can be done in-person, over the phone or by video. We can help you choose the right type of visit based on your child, where you live and other visits you may also have. The visit may be anywhere from one week to a few months before your child’s surgery.

What to expect at your PEC visit

• The visit may take between one and two hours.
• You will meet with a registered nurse to talk about the surgery and review medicines and any allergies.
• A nurse practitioner will review your child’s medical history, complete a physical exam and discuss pre-operative anesthesia care.
• At some visits, if other tests are needed, we can help you get these done. Based on your child’s medical history the following tests may be needed:
  • X-ray
  • EKG
  • Lab work 
• A social worker and a child life specialist are available upon request to provide support in preparing your child for surgery. Let us know if you would like to meet with them during your visit.
  • Child life
  • Social work

Getting ready for your PEC visit

Please bring these items with you for the visit:

• Any medical records for your child from another hospital or health system
• A list of concerns or issues that other family members had from a surgery
• A list of your child's medicines. This includes any over the counter medicines, vitamins and supplements your child takes
• Any questions you or your child may have
• A copy of court papers which state who the legal guardian is for your child (if applicable) 

How to find the PEC

The PEC Clinic is located on the third floor of the Craig Yabuki Tower at Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee Campus.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your PEC visit, please contact our office Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 414-266-3538.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office.

Other resources for your visit to Children’s Wisconsin

• Guide to surgery
• Places to stay