Physicians and other health care providers providing services through the SJ/C Physician Network may be independent contractors and not employees or agents of the SJ/C Physician Network, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System or its affiliated entities. Each such physician or other health care provider is responsible for their own actions and the SJ/C Physician Network, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System and its affiliated entities are not and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such physicians or health care providers.
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, know that entrusting your child to us for surgery is a deeply personal experience that can be terrifying and worrisome. Our team members will care for your child with the same empathy and attentiveness we give our own loved ones. Every step is designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind, and our goal is to support you both from the moment you arrive. Our board certified, accredited surgeons have decades of experience over thousands of surgeries. Here’s what you can expect on the day of surgery, including some helpful tips to make the experience as smooth as possible for you and your little one.
On the day of surgery, please arrive at the hospital at least two hours before the procedure. This time allows us to complete the necessary paperwork, perform a final check-in, and help your child feel comfortable in the surroundings. Our staff will guide you through each step and answer all your questions.
If your child is younger than 10, we avoid inserting an IV before surgery. Instead, once your child is in the operating room, we use a mask to administer sedation, allowing us to place the IV without causing distress. This approach is designed to ease your child's anxieties and ensure a gentler experience.
Each child’s procedure time may vary, typically lasting 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on their needs. We understand that waiting can be challenging, so our team will provide you with updates along the way to keep you informed and at ease. Knowing how important this time is to you, we prioritize transparency and open communication.
After the procedure, your child will be carefully monitored in the recovery room, where our skilled nurses and staff provide attentive care as they wake up from sedation. If hospital policy allows, one parent can join their child in the recovery room, creating a comforting presence as they regain awareness. We know that a familiar face can bring relief, and our team will be there to support both of you.
Once your child is fully awake and our team has confirmed they’re ready, we will provide detailed aftercare instructions. These will include guidelines on activity, dietary recommendations, and any necessary medications. If pain medication is needed, a prescription will be sent with you to help ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery at home. Our staff will also review these instructions with you to answer any questions and give you peace of mind.
Preparing for surgery day can help your child feel more comfortable and secure. Here are some suggested items to bring:
In the days following surgery, the Savannah Pediatric ENT staff calls each patient to ensure recovery is still progressing and to answer any questions you may have. As an added comfort, our complete ENT staff is easily reached via phone to ensure your child’s total well-being.
The hospital will call each patient the evening before surgery to give the arrival time for the surgery day. This call is typically placed after 5:15 p.m. to ensure that the scheduled time is accurate. Due to unforeseen illness and scheduling conflicts that may arise, the hospital will not assign a surgery time until the evening before the surgery is to be performed. It is important to supply the office with the best contact phone number to ensure that you receive this call.
It is important not to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. The pre-surgery team will give more precise instructions for children on a formula or milk diet. Please follow these instructions carefully, or the surgery may be canceled.
Aspirin and Ibuprofen should be stopped 10-14 days before surgery. Tylenol may be given as needed. Please report any current medications to the nurse team so they can assess when they should be stopped.
The hospital's pre-surgery team will call each patient approximately 2-3 days before surgery to ask questions about medical history and allergies. This team can also answer any questions about hospital routine or anesthesia.
If you experience a scheduling conflict, please contact the office immediately to reschedule. Typically, surgery days are booked to capacity, allowing our office to fill your surgery space with someone who may be on a waitlist. A $100 fee is assessed to patients who do not appear for surgery.
Our office will contact your insurance company, obtain surgeon’s benefits and initiate a pre-certification for the surgery. Pre-collection of outstanding deductibles and estimated surgeon’s coinsurance is due 7 days before surgery. Payment can be made over the phone via credit card or mailed to our Reynolds Street address, 5356 Reynolds Street, Ste. 505, Savannah, Ga. 41405.
There is no question that Savannah Pediatric ENT goes to greater lengths than anyone when it comes to expert care of your child in a safe, welcoming environment. As a practice, we understand that there is perhaps no greater level of trust than when you put your child’s care in our hands. We do not take that trust lightly and look forward to leveraging our expertise and commitment to the best patient care for your child's health.