[GCS]

Oh Karen,
I am so sorry to hear this!

Sam didnt have to stay the night at the hospital when he was operated on - he was only there about 6 hours total. He was more upset about the IV than anything else.
All I can say is make sure you have Arianna all set at home with family or friends so that you and DH can both be there.
I think going in advance to the hospital to familarize him is a good idea, but I personally subscribe to the don't tell them much in advance theory so he wont be focusing on it and getting himself all worked up. Sam didn't even know English yet so he had no idea what he was getting into. In a way it was better this way. Ask your doctor. They do this all the time and can advise you better than anyone.
You and Alex will be in our thoughts. Please let us know how everything goes!

Christina