Johns Hopkins Pediatric Orthopaedics Guide to Sugery

The prospect of needing to undergo surgery (or having a child who needs surgery) can cause considerable anxiety. The Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons at Johns Hopkins have had years of experience performing each procedure that they offer to patients. That fact, along with knowing what to expect on the day of surgery, can make the experience much easier. That is why we have designed this guide to surgery.

Surgery at Johns Hopkins requires that a number of steps be completed to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Each part in the process is outlined below. In addition, there are video clips following a patient through surgery for scoliosis at Hopkins to give you a visual idea of what to expect.

The Pre-operative visit:

Once your surgery is scheduled, you will be asked to visit the clinic at the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center (see Guide to the Clinic Visit). At this visit, usually a week before the operation, a general exam is performed on each patient. In addition, you may address questions and concerns with your surgeon.

After the completion of the evalution in the clinic, you will be sent directly for further tests in the Outpatient Center so that all of the pieces are put together for the day of surgery. The tests needed vary from person to person, but may include bloodwork or an EKG.

At the pre-op testing center you will be given information that tells you when and where to go on the day of surgery. Remember not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of surgery to prevent cancellation of the procedure.

The day of surgery:

In general, patients having surgery done by members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery will need to report two hours before the scheduled time on the date of surgery to the Pediatric Pre-Op area. This is located on the seventh floor of the Blalock building at Johns Hopkins.

The Surgery:

The surgery itself consists of several steps. The text below guides you through each of these. Other types of surgery follow the same basic steps. Please feel free to ask questions at any time to any member of our team.

Pre-op evaluation by nursing team

The nursing staff in the pre-op area for pediatric surgery will take your vitals and aks you a few questions. This is also a time for you to aks any questions that you might have aobut the general procedures.

Pre-op evaluation by Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Sponseller, Dr. Ain, or Dr. Miller will then greet you and perform a final brief exam. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions that have come up since you last clinic visit.

Pre-op evaluation by anesthestia team

A member of the anesthesia team will then ask you a few questions. This is a good time to ask about the pain medications that will be used during the surgery. He or she will then take you and one family member (if you desire) back to the operating room.

Welcome to the Operating Room

Upon entering the operating room, you and your family member (if present) will be greeted by the surgical nursing staff. They will help make you comfortable in every way possible.

Family member leaves the operating room

After the patient is sedate, the family member will be escorted to the waiting area. He or she may kiss the patient before leaving.

Initial Incision

The surgery will then performed. The doctors, nurses, and surgery staff will keep you updated as to how things are going.

Introduction of rod (instrumentation)

In the case of scoliosis surgery, the introduction of the rod is a very important part of the procedure.
Recovery room

After surgery is completed, you will be taken to the pediatric recovery room. The anesthesia team will get you settled in the recovery room at which time the family will be allowed to stay with you. You will later be taken from the recover room to your room in the pediatric hospital.

Post-operative care:

The time you will need to stay in the hospital and the kind of post-operative care you will receive varies for each kind of surgery. Your doctor can inform you as to what to expect. There is a whole team of nurses and doctors that will give the care that you need until you are ready to go home.

Follow-up care:

It is important to make follow-up appointments at the Outpatient Clinic as instructed by your doctor. This generally involves a visit the week after you leave the hospital. Follow-up after that as instructed by your doctor. The number to make an appointment is 410-955-3870.

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