When your child needs surgery, we understand that it can be a stressful time for the whole family. At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of affiliated specialists is dedicated to making your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. For day surgery, your child will have their procedure and be able to return home the same day. Here’s what to expect to help you feel informed and supported throughout the entire process.
Who’s Involved in Your Child’s Surgery?
At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, a wide range of affiliated specialists work together to care for your child:
- Pre-op team: The pre-op team prepares your child for surgery and answers any questions you may have.
- Child Life specialists: They provide explanations of the procedure tailored to your child’s level of understanding, helping to ease their fears and make the hospital experience less intimidating.
- Interpreters: Our interpreters are available to assist if your family needs translation services.
- Anesthesia team: The anesthesia team consisting of the provider, technician and support staff, ensures that your child remains safely and comfortably asleep throughout the entire procedure.
- Surgical team: Surgeons, fellows, residents, circulating nurses, OR attendant and surgical techs all work together to perform your child’s procedure.
- Post-op team: After the procedure, our post-op team carefully monitors your child as they wake up from anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable recovery. They provide pain management, answer any questions and give you detailed instructions for home care before discharge.
- Radiology and laboratory staff: This staff is responsible for performing any necessary imaging or tests to support your child’s diagnosis and treatment before, during or after surgery.
- Vendors: They supply specialized surgical equipment, ensuring that our team has the precise tools needed for your child’s procedure.
State-of-the-Art Operating Rooms
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital features:
- 8 main operating rooms
- 2 cardiovascular operating rooms
- 1 procedure room
- 1 stem therapy lab for advanced treatments
Having pediatric-specific equipment is crucial because children’s bodies are different from adults. We provide care for a wide range of ages, from the tiniest babies to young adults, so we have the appropriate tools for every patient. Our child-friendly spaces feature whimsically themed rooms like our "under the sea" room. Offering kid-friendly images and colorful supplies, these rooms help ease anxiety and make the surgical experience more comfortable for kids.
Types of Procedures We Perform
Our surgeons are experienced specialists in a wide range of procedures, from common surgeries like ear tubes to more complex cases like MRI-guided scoliosis surgery. We offer pediatric services in:
- General surgery
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
- Plastic surgery
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Urology
- Orthopedics
- Dental surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) surgery
- Ophthalmology
How We Strive for Quality Care
At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated teams follow rigorous protocols to make certain that your child receives the highest standard of care, every step of the way. From the moment your child arrives to the time they’re ready to go home, we’ve put comprehensive measures in place to protect their health and well-being.
- Hand hygiene: Infection prevention is our top priority. Our staff follows strict hand hygiene protocols, ensuring that every interaction with your child is as safe as possible. We’re committed to maintaining the cleanest environment, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of infection.
- COLO bundle: This specialized set of practices is designed to enhance surgical outcomes, especially in colorectal surgeries. The COLO bundle includes steps that minimize the risk of complications and helps ensure your child has a smooth recovery.
- Surgical site infection prevention: We monitor for surgical site infections around the clock. Our teams implement leading-edge techniques and protocols to drastically reduce the chance of post-surgery infections. From sterile environments to continuous training for staff, our goal is to leave no room for error when it comes to your child’s safety.
By combining these safety measures with our commitment to excellence, we strive to provide your child with high-quality care.
Our Accreditations and Recognitions
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is proud to be recognized for our commitment to quality and safety:
- Ranked by US News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals
- Nationally recognized for Quality and Safety
- Achieved a Magnet® designation for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for
- Named a Top Workplace by the Houston Chronicle
- Awarded for Outstanding Nursing Quality by Press Ganey
- Recognized Nationally for adopting Electronic Clinical Quality Measures
- Highest quality rating for Congenital Heart Surgery
What Makes Pediatric Surgery Unique?
Children are not simply smaller versions of adults—they have unique needs that require specialized care. At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, we are dedicated to addressing those needs with the utmost attention and expertise. Our approach includes:
- Addressing the psychosocial needs of your child, helping them feel comfortable and understood.
- Building trust with both your child and your family, so you feel confident in our care.
- Recognizing that one size does not fit all—your child is unique, and we tailor our approach to their specific needs, including those with congenital conditions.
Your child's well-being is our top priority. At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, we’re here to support you and your child through every step of the day surgery process.