Journal of pediatric surgery
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The presence of a parent in the operating room (OR) during induction of anesthesia is controversial. In order to assess the feasibility, safety, and acceptance of this practice, we evaluated a near-4-year experience with 3,086 patients less than 15 years of age, who were operated on at a free-standing ambulatory surgical center. The age distribution was: 1 to 23 months, 790; 2 to 5 years, 1,190; 6 to 10 years, 775; and 10 to 15 years, 331. ⋯ The feedback during follow-up from those parents has been excellent. Nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons are enthusiastic about the program. In the examined setting, this approach has proven safe, simple, and effective.