Before surgery

You will be contacted two to three days before your surgery. You will be asked a few questions and given some information, including the time of surgery, when to arrive and when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.

You will be notified if you need to have lab tests or a physical completed by your family physician prior to your surgery.

These instructions are important and must be followed or the surgery will be canceled. 

1. If you or your child are having general anesthesia or any sedatives, you must have someone available to drive you or your child home. Anesthesia and sedatives will leave you drowsy and may dull your senses for a period of time, even after your stay in the recovery room. We don't want you to be a hazard to yourself or others, so please arrange for transportation home before you arrive.
2. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not wear jewelry, body piercings or contact lenses.
3. Learn about eating and drinking restrictions
4. Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before surgery. Alcohol, combined with our anesthetic and sedation drugs, can make you very sick. Patients who arrive under the influence of any substance will have their surgery rescheduled.
5. Taking medications of any kind can also pose problems. For example, aspirin thins the blood, which can present an unnecessary risk during surgery. If you take any kind of medication regularly, including any vitamin or herbal supplements, please inform the nurse when he or she calls prior to your surgery. Don’t take any medication that you haven’t discussed with the nurse on the day of or the day before your surgery.

If you have any questions, please call (414) 607-5280 if your surgery is at the Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee campus or (414) 328-5800 if your surgery is at the Surgicenter.

Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Prior to your surgery, please review the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. If you have any questions, a staff member will be glad to discuss them. You will be asked to acknowledge in writing that you have received and reviewed the document.