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 incision
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 robotics Shorter, with less pain
Outcomes Good Greater precision leads to better outcomes
Traditional Surgery
Incision Type Large, in order to access the affected area
Danger to surrounding organs and nerves Greater, due to more manipulation of internal structures
Risk of blood loss and infection Greater, due to larger incision
Recovery period Longer, more painful compared to robotics
Outcomes Good
Robotic Surgery
Incision Type Small multiple incision
Danger to surrounding organs and nerves Less, due to precision of robotic instruments
Risk of blood loss and infection Rare
Recovery period Shorter, with less pain
Outcomes 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

It's very important for you and your child to be prepared for surgery. Our Child Life pre-surgical tours are designed to help children and their families know what to expect before surgery. Facilitated by a certified Child Life Specialist, you and your child will take a tour of the pre-operative unit and learn about the hospital environment through a variety of teaching tools. Tours are recommended for patients ages 4 to 12. All tours are by appointment only and should be scheduled at least one week before surgery. 

If your child’s surgery requires a pre-admission testing appointment, and you’d like to schedule your tour during this time, make sure to request a tour one week before this appointment. 

To schedule a tour or contact the Child Life Department, call (813) 554-8509.

To schedule a tour with our Child Life Specialist

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