Information for youth

These sections will help prepare you for your upcoming surgery and answer many questions you may have:

You probably have a lot of questions about your surgery. Make sure you talk with your parents or caregivers and your care team (surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse practitioners, nurses, and child life specialist) so they know what’s on your mind.

If you smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs

You must tell your care team the truth if you use any of these. Smoking tobacco, using drugs or drinking alcohol before your surgery can cause risks that could make your surgery unsafe or affect your healing. Stop using these for at least a week before surgery.

Piercings and jewellery (metal and plastic)

Make sure to remove all studs and jewellery at home before coming for surgery:

Jewellery in and around the mouth can become loose or get accidentally pulled out during surgery. It can get stuck in your windpipe, end up in your stomach and cause choking.
Piercings may get caught or pulled out when we are positioning you on the operating room bed.
Wearing metal jewellery can cause burns if we use certain equipment during your surgery.

Teen girls

If you have your period, use a pad instead of a tampon on the day of surgery.
If there is a chance you may be pregnant, it is very important for you to tell your nurse or doctor. You may be asked to take a pregnancy test.
Tell your doctor if you use any form of birth control.
You’ll need to remove your bra when you put on the hospital pajamas — nurses in the operating room will need to place heart monitor stickers on your chest before you fall asleep. We will always keep you covered!