Before Your Operation

Guidelines to Follow Just Before Your Scoliosis Surgery

The day and night before your surgery you may eat and drink as much as you want until midnight. After midnight, you cannot have any food or liquid. It is very important that your stomach is empty for your operation.

You may feel nervous about having surgery and being in a strange place with new people. This is very normal. It may help to have someone with you. One of your parents is welcome to sleep in your room if you would like.

Meeting Your Care Team

Before your operation, many of the people who will be taking care of you (such as residents, nurses and the anesthesiologist) will come to meet you and ask you questions in the pre-anesthesia care unit (PACU). There will always be nurses around who will talk with you, answer your questions, and make you feel more comfortable. They will be very happy to help you in any way they can.

During Surgery

The operation will last for four to six hours. While you are in the operating room, your family can wait in the surgical waiting area. Someone from surgery will update your family every few hours and let them know how your surgery is going.