Many procedures can be performed in our Ambulatory Surgery Unit without the need for hospital admission. Common procedures performed on children as an outpatient include repair of umbilical and inguinal hernias, correction of undescended testes, removal of cysts or lumps on the head, neck, or extremities, and some anorectal procedures. Pediatric anesthesiologists provide outstanding perioperative care. If you would like to find out more about the Pediatric Anesthesiologists at the Oakland Medical Center, please visit their home pages:

Gregory Charlop
Maniza Dhillon
Jon Pahta

Routine information that is provided to parents when procedures are scheduled for the Ambulatory Surgery Unit is listed below.

• Your child is scheduled for an outpatient surgical procedure. This surgery will take place on the 2nd floor of the Hospital, 280 MacArther Blvd. Please be sure to call (510) 752-7379 between 11-1 pm the day before surgery to find out the time you need to arrive. It is very important that you call because there may be a change in scheduling. Please arrive at the requested time.

• Your child will be placed under anesthesia for this procedure. Anesthesia requires an empty stomach. It is very important for your child not to eat food for at least 8 hours before surgery. Formula is allowed up to 6 hours before surgery. Breast milk is allowed up to 4 hours before surgery. Clears are allowed up to 2 hours before surgery. Clears include water, apple juice, Kool-Aid, clear soda, Pedialyte, chicken broth, and Jell-O without fruit.

• If your child develops a cold within a few days prior to the day of surgery please contact your surgeon to reschedule. We would like your child to be healthy for the surgery so he/she can recover quickly. The signs to look for are cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and/or ear infection/pain.

• Your child will be in the recovery room for approximately 1-2 hours after surgery. He/she will then be discharged and you may return home. Please contact your surgeon to schedule an appointment 1-3 weeks after the day of surgery, as directed.