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If your child requires surgery, you will meet with a pediatric surgeon. Determining the right questions to ask might be difficult, so use the questions below as a helpful guide.

  • Why is this treatment or procedure being recommended, and what exactly will happen?
  • Can you send me for a second opinion?
  • What are the potential risks?
  • What potential benefits have been seen, or might be deemed possible?
  • What about my child’s quality of life? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
  • If this is a trial procedure, why would you choose this one over another one?
  • What is your medical background? How long have you been doing procedures or treatments like this? Where did you train?
  • Are your anesthesiologists fellowship trained in pediatrics?
  • Can I be involved in the care process for my child?
  • Do you have a pre-surgical tour that can help ease my child’s fears regarding the process?

Having Surgery: What to Expect

We're here to help you understand the entire process of your child's surgery — from preparation to post-surgical care.