Quality and Outcomes Reports - Anesthesiology

Overall Volume 

Why we measure it - Research shows that physicians and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes, even for complex cases.

What this means - We care for patients in different environments based on their needs, but safety is our primary concern. Same-day surgery patients who are otherwise healthy usually receive care at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Surgicenter with a greater focus on comfort and convenience. More complex patients receive care at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Milwaukee campus where there is a higher level of resources and where more complex care can be safely provided. 

About the data - These data reflect the total number of anesthesia cases performed at both Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Milwaukee campus and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Surgicenter.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • At Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, there are 35 board-certified anesthesiologists with subspecialty training in pediatric anesthesiology. Most are multiple-board certified in areas such as pediatric medicine, critical care and pain management.
  • We have 4 to 5 anesthesiologists on call each night to care for emergent and urgent cases including cardiac services. We have expert teams on call 24 hours a day for general perioperative anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, services outside the operating room, critical care, pain management and trauma/code response team.
  • Anesthesiologists keep patients comfortable and safe during surgery and complex non-surgical procedures using a range of specialized medicines and equipment. Because children have different health care needs, experience sedating children is key to ensuring their safety. Sedatives are powerful medicines, and having a specialized, trained anesthesiologist at the bedside makes it safer for your child.
  • Throughout the day, a Children's Hospital anesthesiologist may take one patient safely through a complex operation lasting 15 hours or care for 20 patients undergoing short procedures.
  • At Children's Hospital, a pediatric anesthesiologist will sedate 200 to 1,400 children a year. To maintain performance at the highest level, it's important for a pediatric anesthesiologist to have experience in a setting like Children's that provides state-of-the-art care to a range of pediatric patients.
  • We are recognized internationally for many innovations in perioperative monitoring including noninvasive oximetric hemodynamic monitoring that permits continuous assessment of oxygen delivery to vital organs and enhances patient safety.
  • Team members use the latest equipment and therapies and have access to a variety of subspecialty teams such as pain management, critical care, orthopedics, neurosurgical, cardiac and complex airway management.
  • Pediatric anesthesiologists assess all children before surgery. All perioperative anesthesia and pain management is provided or directly supervised by a pediatric anesthesiologist. Although we are a teaching hospital, we have strict limitations on the care provided by anesthesia care team members, which include nurse practitioners, fellows and residents.
  • We have fully-accredited training programs in pediatric anesthesiology and pain management that require objective demonstration of excellence in patient care, critical thinking and teaching, research, environment of care, academic accomplishment, and institutional commitment.
  • We operate a Level I trauma center designated by the American College of Surgeons. Undergoing this rigorous verification process requires improved quality and safety standards. The trauma program is supported directly by anesthesia residents, fellows and faculty.
  • Families traveling from long distances are encouraged to use our Family Accommodations Program to make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments. Children's Hospital has partnered with non-profit organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Kathy's House to offer comfortable, "home away from home" accommodations. Local hotel chains on our referral list also offer discounts for patient families. 

Patients and families:

  • Take a virtual tour, which will help prepare patients and families for the procedure and hospital stay.
  • Follow all eating and drinking restrictions before surgery.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about these data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.