Pediatric Surgery

Methodist has experienced anesthesia providers who care for children over one month of age having surgery. All anesthesia providers and surgical registered nurses who care for young patients are Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified. Many pediatric surgeries are performed at Methodist, including:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Removal of appendix 
• Removal of tonsils and adenoids 
• Orthopedic surgery to repair broken bones
• Plastic surgery
• Bladder surgery
• Nephrectomy (removal of kidney) using robotic surgery 
• Ureteral reimplantations using robotic surgery

Prior to Surgery Checklist

Prior to your child's day of surgery, please discuss with your child's surgeon the following:

• Any medical preparation your child may need before their surgery
• The scheduled surgery time and date, as well as, the time you’ll need to arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery
• When to have your child stop eating and drinking-- including water, gum and mints
• What care your child will need at home after their surgery
• Who to call if your child is sick the day of surgery. Your child’s symptoms may include but not limited to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, congested cough, sore throat or rash.

Please call us at 309-672-5940 if you have any questions. 

We look forward to meeting you and your child.
The Surgery Team at Methodist.

Day of Surgery Checklist

What to bring with you on the day of your child’s surgery, hospital visit or medical procedure:

• Your child’s favorite security object from home (pacifier, toy, blanket, or hand held game)

• Your child’s preferred bottle, sippy cup or sports bottle.

• Insurance card, ID, paperwork, etc.

• Medication Information - Names and doses and time of day taken

• Guardianship papers, if applicable

• Any adaptive devices your child may require at home or school such as a walker, communications board, glasses or hearing aids

Pre-Surgical/Hospital Tours

The Child Life Specialist or Pediatric Surgical Nurse provide pre-surgical or pre-admission tours through areas of Methodist a child may encounter. Allowing children to learn about the things they might see, hear and feel during their visit to the hospital in a safe, non-threatening manner often lessens the anxiety children and their families may have. Tours should be taken as close to the hospital visit as possible. Appointments must be made in advance by calling Carol Weis, Certified Child Life Specialist, at 309-671-2145 or Juli Zerwer, Pediatric Surgical Nurse, at 309-672-4903.