Discharge From the Hospital

When will my child be discharged?
If your child is having minor surgery, he/she may be discharged home a few hours after the procedure. Your child's health care team will make sure that he/she is fully awake, that vital signs (i.e., heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure) are normal, and that he/she can take some liquids by mouth without vomiting.

Even after minor surgery, some children will remain in the hospital overnight for observation, and to receive medications to help with pain or to prevent infection. One parent will be able to stay with your child overnight. In the morning, your surgeon will examine your child and determine if he/she may be discharged.

If your child is discharged within 24 hours after surgery, you may notice he/she:
  • May sleep more than usual for the first day or two at home.
  • May have some nausea and vomiting, or no appetite.
  • May be a little unsteady when walking.
These problems usually are related to anesthesia and should improve after 24 to 48 hours at home. If symptoms persist, consult your child's physician.

After major surgery, your child will need to stay in the hospital. Some children may be in the intensive care unit (ICU) for one or more nights. From the ICU, your child will be transferred to a regular pediatric unit. Your surgeon should be able to give you an estimate of the number of days your child will be in the hospital when you first discuss surgery.

After your surgeon has determined your child may be discharged, a registered nurse will need to discuss home care with you as well as provide you with written instructions. Before discharge, make sure you understand:
  • Any treatments you need to provide for your child at home, such as changing dressings on a wound or doing deep breathing exercises.
  • Medications you may need to give your child, such as antibiotics or pain medications.
  • Any activity restrictions your child may have, and for how long they must be observed.
  • When your child may have a bath or shower.
  • When your child may return to school or daycare, and whether they need written permission from the physician to return. This is also a good time to get a note excusing him/her from physical education.
  • Signs and symptoms of possible complications from your child's particular kind of surgery, and who to report them to.
  • When to return for a follow-up appointment.

If your child will need to take medications at home, a prescription will be provided for you to fill at the local pharmacy of your choice.

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