surgery at Dayton Children's during COVID-19

Yes, it is safe to have surgery. Dayton Children’s has always cared for children with infectious diseases and has steps in place to contain those illnesses. In addition, we have taken safety above and beyond during this time by providing masks for everyone, restricting visitors, ramping up sanitizing procedures, making social distancing easy and increasing video visits. 

Beginning July 19, we will stop COVID-19 testing for surgical and procedural patients who are not being admitted and who do not show symptoms of COVID-19. Surgical/procedural patients will still need to have the COVID-19 PCR test 2 days before the procedure/surgery if:

• They have symptoms (cough, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, fever, loss of taste/smell, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain) – even if they are vaccinated
• They require an inpatient stay

The test will need to be done one to two days before surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia. The test is done with a swab from inside your child’s nose. It is pretty quick, but it can be uncomfortable. We will call with the results of the test by 10:00 pm the night before your child’s surgery.

For COVID-19 testing locations, please visit childrensdayton.org/covidtesting.

If the test is positive, we will call you with those results the night before the scheduled surgery. We will provide next steps, which will include postponing the surgery and following up with your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, we can discuss other options at that time.

• On the day of your child’s surgery, two adult caregivers should come along – please also leave all other children at home if possible. 
• When you arrive, a Dayton Children’s caregiver at the front door will ask about any symptoms of COVID-19 and provide a mask to wear, if you don't have one already. Every employee at Dayton Children’s also wears a mask. 

• During your child’s surgery you may wait in your pre-op room, or in the waiting room. 

Dayton Children's is committeed to keeping you and your family safe. In response to COVID-19, our entire staff took a pledge to adhere to the most current guidance on protecting ourselves, each other, and our patients and families. Our surgery team practices rigorous infection control procedures and wears the proper protective equipment when caring for your child, to minimize risk of infection from all illnesses, not just COVID-19. Many of our staff have also been vaccinated against COVID-19.