The Surgery Center of Santa Rosa, we meet the special needs of children by creating a relaxed, comfortable environment. To make children feel more at home, we encourage them to bring along a favorite toy or blanket.  

We also encourage parents to discuss the surgery with the child beforehand to help alleviate unnecessary stress. Parents are able to stay with their child until surgery and may rejoin the child as soon as it is appropriate. We recommend that one adult drives home while another cares for the child.

Parents will be asked to wait in the front lobby. The surgeon will meet with your family immediately following surgery.

Preparing Parents and Young Children for Surgery and Anesthesia

Anticipation of a surgical procedure can be very stressful for a family. The parent and child may have many questions and concerns about the use of anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Anxiety is often increased unnecessarily by misinformation and exaggerated preconceived notions acquired from society and the media.

In order to help the child get through this experience it is important that parents understand what to expect throughout the process starting with the surgical procedure and why it needs to be done. The surgeon should explain the operation and what to expect during the recovery period.

The following information is designed to help you and your child understand the routines and protocols at our Surgery Center to help prepare your child for surgery.

Prepare Your Child By Being Honest

The most important thing a parent can do is to be completely honest with your child about the surgery and anesthesia. You can help your child by preparing him/her for the operation as soon as you know that the surgery is scheduled. Children do much better when they are well prepared and know what to expect. You should explain the operation to your child in a way that he/she will understand.

The surgery center environment has a lot of activity with strange noises and medical equipment. It is important to familiarize your child with the setting by telling him/her what to expect. It is normal for you to be anxious when your child is having surgery, but try not to allow your child to see your anxiety. If you stay calm and reassuring with your child, he/she is more likely to stay calm and have a positive experience.

No Eating Before Surgery

The doctors and nurses will have your child stop eating at midnight the night before surgery. Children sometimes do not understand why they cannot eat or drink before surgery. Children and adults are at risk for vomiting while under anesthesia. If your child has something in his or her stomach and vomits, that acidified material can go into the lungs and cause serious problems.

Normally, we can prevent food from getting into the lungs because we can cough. When under anesthesia, you are completely relaxed and unable to cough, so an empty stomach before surgery is for your child's safety.

Anesthesia

Before the surgery an anesthesiologist will perform a history and physical exam that will direct your child's anesthetic care. They will explain the anesthetic to you and your child before the operation. In the operating room the anesthesiologist vigilantly monitors your child while he/she is asleep.

After surgery is completed the anesthesiologist is responsible for supervising care until your child is discharged from the recovery room. Anesthesiologists are sensitive to the individual needs of each child and family.

Going to Sleep

There are two different ways that children can fall asleep before surgery. The method chosen depends on the medical history of the child. Most young children prefer to fall asleep breathing the anesthesia through a mask with the intravenous catheter inserted after the child is asleep.

Some children may be very fearful of the mask and prefer to have the intravenous catheter placed when awake. Medication can then be administered through the intravenous catheter, which causes the child to quickly fall asleep. Your child is closely monitored by the anesthesiologist throughout the procedure.

Center Tours

If you feel it might be beneficial for you and your child to visit our center prior to the surgery date, please give us a call at 578-4100. Parents and children can benefit from a tour as it allows them to be exposed to the center environment in a less threatening manner. During these visits the children are allowed to touch and play with the equipment, which may allow them to be more accepting of the mask and monitors on the day of surgery. They are given the opportunity to become familiar with the Surgery Center staff before the day of surgery.