What to Expect at Your PATCH Visit

We want your visit with the PATCH team to go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few things to know before your visit.

You will likely meet us for the first time in the preoperative holding area on the day of your child's procedure. But your surgical clinic might refer you for a PATCH visit a few weeks before the surgery. This happens when we need to talk with your child's specialists, if we need to take tests before the surgery, or if your child is having more than one procedure done. Your surgical clinic might have you visit us if your child had a recent upper respiratory infection or fever to make sure we can proceed with the anesthetic on the scheduled date.

One of our nurse practitioners will go over your child's medical history with you, review any available medical records and examine your child to make sure we have all the information necessary to provide a safe anesthetic.

If there is anything you would like to discuss with us before your child's anesthesia, you can also call us to set up an appointment yourself. We would be happy to meet with you to go over any questions you may have.

Here are some of the things we do in the time leading up to your child's surgery:

• We obtain medical records from your child's specialists. These include notes from your child's cardiologist, geneticist, neurologist or pulmonologist, for example. Some chronic illnesses require specific precautions around the time of the operation. These records help us plan for a safe anesthetic for your child.
• We decide what tests your child will need before the surgery. Common examples are lab tests, ECGs, echocardiograms and pulmonary function tests. The need for testing before surgery depends on your child's medical history and the type of procedure your child is scheduled for. We may learn that your child will need more tests.
• We recommend which medications your child should take and which to hold on the day of surgery.
• If your child is very anxious about the upcoming surgery, we can refer you to one of our child life specialists. They can create a plan to help minimize stress.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the preparation for surgery, the anesthetic plan and what to expect on the day of your child's procedure.