Preparing for Surgery

Follow your pediatrician’s instructions in the hours leading up to surgery. It is extremely important to not let your child eat anything the day of surgery. 

You will check-in on the fifth floor at the west end of the Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion. Please go to the surgery area and find the check-in desk. We will call you and your child into the pre-operation area. Here, a nurse, anesthesiologist and surgeon will answer any questions you may have.

When your child is in surgery, we strongly encourage at least one parent to remain in the surgery waiting area. Here, nurses and doctors may contact you about any changes or updates in your child’s care. If you need to leave for any reason, please let a staff member know.

Other visitors may check out our dining options and gift shop to pass the time. Get visitor information now.

After surgery, your child will be sent to a recovery room. Specialized recovery nurses will help make your child comfortable. A surgeon or doctor will talk with you to discuss how everything went. Depending on the procedure, your child may need to stay overnight or may get to go home the same day.

Either way, we’ll send you home with all the care instructions and education you need. If you have a UNM pediatrician, we can send them your child’s records and help you schedule a follow-up appointment.