At Driscoll Children’s Hospital, our Pediatric Sedation services help children safely and comfortably complete medical tests and procedures they may not otherwise be able to tolerate. Whether your child needs imaging, a diagnostic test, or a minor procedure, our team focuses on reducing anxiety, managing pain, and creating the best possible experience for your child and your family.

Our goal is simple: to help children receive the care they need in a calm, supportive, and child-centered environment—while giving parents peace of mind every step of the way.

Safe, Comfortable Care for a Wide Range of Procedures

Sedation can help children remain relaxed and still during important tests and treatments, often allowing procedures to be done without general anesthesia or a trip to the operating room.

Our Pediatric Sedation Service supports many types of procedures, including:

Sedation services are based in the Day Surgery Department and provided throughout the hospital as needed, allowing children to receive care in the most appropriate and comfortable setting.

A Specialized Team Focused on Your Child

Your child’s care is provided by a dedicated team of pediatric doctors and nurses who are specially trained in pediatric sedation. Together, they focus not only on medical safety, but also on helping children feel prepared, supported, and calm.

Sedation plans are carefully tailored to each child based on their age, medical needs, and the procedure being performed. Options may include:

Our team also uses advanced tools, such as ultrasound-guided IV placement, to make procedures easier and more comfortable. For some imaging studies, children can even watch movies during their scan—reducing the need for sedation in some cases.

Commitment to Safety and Excellence

Your child’s safety is our top priority. Driscoll Children’s Pediatric Sedation Service follows strict safety standards and consistently exceeds national benchmarks for quality and success.

We are proud to be recognized as a Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation by the Society for Pediatric Sedation—a distinction that reflects our commitment to high-quality care, ongoing education, and continuous improvement.

As the needs of South Texas families grow, our Pediatric Sedation Service continues to expand to ensure more children can receive the care they need—safely, efficiently, and with compassion.