[yorkiemini]

I think it depends on you. Being with your babies while they are sedated may help them, but frankly they will not understand what is going on with them so they may find it calming for you to be there. The next important time for your babies is when they are coming out from under the sedation so you are there for them to see. Being present during the surgery is not productive for the dogs, but if it is important to you I would say "whatever". The dogs will not know you are there at that time.

I personally hate it when they take my baby out of my sight when I have the yearly visit, so I can understand your feelings on this.

Of course the surgeon is not going to let you get in the way or contaminate the field.