Surgery
Surgery Terminology
Definitions of terms and abbreviations commonly used in surgery:
Surgery
This is a way for the doctors to "look" at something or "fix" something to help your body. You will get a special medicine called ANESTHESIA so that you won't be able to feel ANYTHING during your surgery.
Pre-Op Clinic (POC)
This is one place you may go for your H&P (4th floor, Ambulatory Care Pavilion). You may be seen here 3-30 days before your surgery date.
Admitting
This is where everyone will check-in for their surgery. (1st floor of the main hospital, D tower). This is where you will be given an ID bracelet. When it's time for your surgery, you will be taken to the pre-op area.
ID bracelet
This is a bracelet you will wear on your wrist or ankle that has your name and information on it so the doctors and nurses know who you are. You must wear it while you are in the hospital but can take it off when you go home.
Pre-op area
This is where everyone will check-in for their surgery (2nd floor of the main hospital). If you are scheduled to have your H&P done the day of surgery, you may have it done here right before your surgery.
H&P
Also known as a history and physical exam. The nurses will ask lots of questions all about YOU.
Vital signs
Tell the doctors and nurses how your body is working. You will stand on a scale to see how much you weigh so they know how much medicine to give your body. A blood pressure cuff will give your arm a big hug to see how fast your blood is moving through your body. A thermometer will slide across your forehead and behind your ear to take your temperature and make sure you don't have a fever.
Pre-Op labs
The doctors may need you to have a blood test to see how your body is working before your surgery.
MRI
The doctors may need to see what your body looks like on the inside. They will use a very special camera. It can be noisy and you have to lie really still, but it doesn't hurt.
NPO
This means "nothing per oral." That means you cannot have ANYTHING to eat or drink…not even gum or toothpaste. This is so you don't make your stomach sick during your surgery.
Pulse oximeter (pulse ox)
This is a special band-aid that you will wear on a finger or toe to see how much oxygen is in your blood and how you are breathing. When it is plugged into the computer, it lights up red and beeps.
EKG leads
These are special, sticky stickers that you will wear on your chest or back that tell us how your heart is working. When plugged into the computer, they may make beeping sounds.
Versed
This is a special medicine that some children drink to help them relax if they are really nervous or scared before their surgery. Your anesthesiologist may ask your nurse to give you this medicine in your Pre-Op Holding room if he/she thinks your body needs it. Not every child needs this medicine, though. Some people call it "silly juice" or "goofy juice" because it makes your body feel really relaxed and sometimes a little funny, but it helps you to forget all about having surgery. This medicine does not make you go to sleep for your surgery, but may make you feel a little tired. It works best if you lie in your bed, wrap up with a warm blanket, turn out the lights, and try to go to sleep.
Operating Room (OR)
This is the room where the doctors will perform your surgery. You will take a special ride in your bed to this room. Give your family hugs and kisses and tell them that you will see them when you wake up. If you brought something special with you, like a stuffed animal, pillow, or blanket, you may take it with you. Remember, you will never be by yourself. You will have lots of nurses and doctors taking care of you and they will not leave you. When you get to the Operating Room, you will notice big, surgery lights above you and lots of machines and equipment. Remember, the doctors may not use all of that equipment for your surgery. The doctors and nurses will also be wearing special clothes in the Operating Room, such as green scrubs, surgery hats, gloves, and masks. They wear special clothes so they don't spread germs and make children get sick.
