Surgery for children is often more complicated than surgery for adults. It requires the specialized technical skills that our world-recognized surgeons have, as well as a deeper understanding of what a successful surgery can mean to a child and their family. That can be improved health, better function and less pain, while also giving a child greater independence, ability and confidence.
We provide surgical care for children 12 months and older, although many of our patients have been with us since birth. We treat conditions that a child may have been born with, as well as conditions that develop over time or that result from injury.
Our pediatric surgery team addresses the individual needs of each patient from every perspective. That can include a complex surgery, medical management or psychosocial support. We work closely and collaboratively with our other specialty teams, such as burn care, orthopedics, spine/spinal cord care and sports medicine, to develop the optimal course of treatment for every patient. Families appreciate the convenience of a single source for comprehensive care, and children benefit from our team approach. We work together with every family, parents, patients and providers to support the care of the whole child.
Our pediatric surgeons gain much of their expertise through hands-on experience, individualized education and concentrated research with organizations including universities and private companies. With this knowledge, they’ve developed the skills to treat the complex surgical needs of children.
We celebrate the recognition of our pediatric surgeons and researchers. The American Academy of Pediatrics in the section of surgery, the American Pediatric Surgical Association, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery are just a few of the organizations that have honored our pediatric surgeons.
Learn more below about many of the conditions we treat with our pediatric surgery program.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Chest abnormalities can compress or displace the heart and lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations and respiratory disease. Many pediatric disorders of the neck may result in difficulty swallowing or breathing. Our goal is to begin with the least invasive treatment option for these conditions, while preventing further complications.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including those related to diseases of the colon and rectum, can be especially challenging for children because of the embarrassment or shame commonly felt. Our focus on children allows us to be especially sensitive to the emotional aspects of these conditions.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Complex rectal disorders, which are very similar to complex GI disorders but sometimes more severe, can be emotionally difficult for children because of the shame or embarrassment they might feel. Our focus on children allows us to be especially compassionate when treating these conditions.
Hemangiomas, as well as different types of cysts and tumors, can cause discomfort, pain and further internal complications for children.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Our pediatric surgeons provide care to children who have various types of hernias that, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Sometimes children are born with colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) health disorders. Our team of noted pediatric surgeons provides the compassionate care necessary to infants in those critical months just after birth. The care does not stop there. Our team follows children with congenital disorders into early adulthood, providing follow-up care that ensures the best possible outcomes.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Our team of board-certified pediatric urologists diagnose and treat conditions of the bladder, urinary tract, kidney and genitalia from birth to early adulthood. Given the unique needs of children, our pediatric urologists examine and treat each child with sensitivity and compassion.
This is not a complete list. If you do not see your child’s condition, please search all conditions for which we provide pediatric surgery, or contact the Shriners Children's location nearest you.
Families and patients say that Shriners Children’s feels like home to them, and it's no wonder to us. We know that a child's needs go beyond the surgery itself. Before and after surgery, our care teams support social, emotional and developmental health with patient programs and activities.
A few examples include:
Not all programs are available at every location. Contact your child’s care manager or any member of your child’s care team to learn more.
Dr. Raff took one look at Zachary’s chest and knew it was something more than asthma. He was the first doctor to acknowledge Zachary’s condition and offer us hope. After his final surgery, Zachary took a huge breath and said he felt amazing.
