Preoperative and postoperative care of the pediatric surgical patient.

The preoperative and postoperative care of the pediatric surgical patient is considered under the headings of elective surgery, urgent surgery, surgery for trauma, and other emergency surgery. The specialized care of the neonatal surgical patient is not discussed. The approach outlined is the personal approach of the authors. Points stressed are the importance of preserving normal hydration and blood glucose levels before elective surgery, and the importance of correcting major deficits before urgent or emergency surgery.