Going into the Operating Room with your Child
It is common for children and parents to feel nervous about surgery and anesthesia. This is normal. We do everything possible to help you through this.
Your child may get medicine while you are still with them in the preoperative area. This medicine should help your child to relax. It may also help your child to forget that they are being separated from you. These effects should help make the move into the operating room less stressful for both of you.
May I go into the operating room with my child?
It helps some children to have a parent or support person with them in the operating room for the start of anesthesia. For example, this can be helpful when a child:
There are certain reasons that will prevent you from going into the operating room. Your child’s anesthesiologist will discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of having you present during the start of anesthesia. Your child’s anesthesiologist will work with you in order to plan the best approach for your child.
Pregnant women should avoid breathing anesthesia gas. Please tell the anesthesiologist if you may be pregnant.
What happens during the start of anesthesia?
If you go into the operating room for the start of anesthesia, you can stay with your child until they are asleep. Please tell the staff if you feel uncomfortable and want to leave at any point.
While your child is on a stretcher or possibly on your lap, the anesthesiologist will place a clear plastic mask over your child’s nose and mouth. This mask is attached to an anesthesia machine. Your child should breathe normally into the mask and will soon fall asleep.
Some children try to take off the mask or cry as they go to sleep.
Your child may look restless or have uncontrolled movements. Sometimes children breathe fast, slow or unevenly. Some children cough or have noisy breathing. Your child will become limp once asleep. These are all normal at the start of anesthesia and will be closely monitored by the anesthesiologist.
At this time, you will be asked to leave the operating room. The nurse or Child Life Specialist will escort you to the waiting area.
With general anesthesia, your child will be asleep and will not feel any pain during the operation. Anesthesia is different than regular sleep. Your child will not wake up during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the anesthesiologist will wake your child and bring them to the recovery room, or Peri-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), to fully wake up.
How can I help my child?
You can best help your child by being calm and comforting. Sometimes it helps to tell a story or sing a favorite song. This distracts your child and focuses their attention on you. Follow the instructions of the anesthesiologist and focus on your child.
What if my child cries during the start of anesthesia?
Some children, especially preschoolers, may cry when they enter the operating room or when the mask is held to the face. This is normal. Your presence may help calm and comfort your child.
How might I feel when anesthesia is started?
It is normal to feel emotional when you see your child go to sleep. Our staff will be there to support you.
Why is only one parent allowed into the operating room for the start of anesthesia?
It is easier for your child to focus on just one parent at the start of anesthesia. It is also easier for the operating room staff to teach and support just one parent. The parent who is best able to calm your child should be with your child.
Will I have to wear special clothes?
You will be given a one-piece jumpsuit called a “bunny suit” to cover your street clothes, a cap to cover your hair, and a mask to cover your mouth and nose. We will provide you with a mask if needed. If you have open toe shoes, you will also need to wear shoe covers.
When can I see my child again?
Once your child’s surgery is over, the surgeon will speak with you. During this time, the anesthesiology team will wake and continue to care for your child. It may take 30 minutes or more before your child will go to the PACU. We will reunite you with your child as soon as possible.
Please ask your child’s medical team if you have any questions or concerns about your child going to the operating room. We do our best to make your family comfortable and keep you informed and involved with your child’s care.
Reviewed January 2024 by Leslie Obermeier, PPCNP-BC, NEA-BC