Pediatric Surgical Services in Tampa, Florida

Being treated in a hospital can be an intimidating experience for children and their families. That's normal - constant activity, new faces and an unfamiliar setting can be scary. Knowing what to expect before your child undergoes surgery at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital can help reduce anxiety for everyone involved.

Robotic Surgery

You and your child may be worried about the prospect of surgery and the lengthy recovery period. However, with a robotic procedure, you can expect a surgery that is:

  • Less invasive
  • More precise with less manipulation of healthy tissue
  • Less painful with a shorter, easier recovery period

Although it may not be an available option in every instance, more and more surgeons turn to robotic surgery to perform delicate, complex procedures. The robot offers the surgeon precision and dexterity not available during a traditional, open surgery.

Robotic surgery versus traditional surgery:

 

 Traditional Surgery

 Robotic Surgery

Incision type

Large, in order to access the affected area

Small multiple incisions

Danger to surrounding organs and nerves

Greater, due to more manipulation of internal structures

Less, due to precision of robotic instruments

Risk of blood loss and infection

Greater, due to larger incision

Rare

Recovery period

Longer, more painful compared to robotic

Shorter, with less pain

Outcomes

Good

Greater precision leads to better outcomes

To schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric surgeons for consultation, please call (813) 554-8384.

Tips to prepare your child for surgery:

  • Explain why surgery is necessary.
  • Ask your child about his/her fears and concerns about surgery.
  • Explain the procedures that your child will undergo as simply as possible. If you are not sure, ask your doctor.
  • Make sure your child understands that you will be with them (if you plan to stay, and for how long).
  • Let your child know that other children will be having surgery, too.
  • Honestly answer any questions your child asks about surgery or the hospital.
  • Sign up with your child in a Hospital Orientation Session.

Pre-Operation Program/Tour

If your child is scheduled for surgery, we urge you to register for a free Hospital Orientation Session. This session is simply a "hands on" way for your child to become acquainted with the sights, sounds, smells and people that are unique to a hospital before undergoing surgery or any other hospital procedure.

You and your child are encouraged to ask questions and express any concern throughout the Hospital Orientation Session. Using a variety of teaching tools and medical equipment, a Child Life Specialist will explain all aspects of your child's treatment at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, including:

  • Medical personnel—such as doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and radiologists—and what they do in the hospital
  • Medical procedures—such as blood tests, IVs and X-rays—and why they are necessary
  • Medical equipment—such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and monitors—and the role they play in your child's care

If your child is scheduled for surgery at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and you would like to register for a pre-operation tour, call (813) 554-8155.

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