Pediatric Surgical Services

Advanced Surgical Techniques to Treat Common and Complex Pediatric Conditions

Loyola Medicine’s pediatric specialists seek to provide comprehensive treatment with the least invasive approach possible, which is why your child’s doctor will explore conservative treatments first and foremost.

If surgery is recommended as the best next step in your child’s care, we want you to know that Loyola’s pediatric surgeons are specially trained in surgical techniques and tools specifically made for children. Our surgical team will provide care for your child with great precision and compassion.

Loyola’s experienced pediatric surgeons offer a broad range of surgical treatments for newborns, children and adolescents and work as part of an integrated team with Loyola’s pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.

Our pediatric general surgeons perform both routine and highly complex procedures to treat many common pediatric conditions, both congenital (present at birth) and acquired, including:

Loyola’s pediatric surgical team begins with a proper diagnosis, taking care to listen to you and your child. We will partner with your family to design a treatment plan that’s right for your child’s condition and unique circumstances.

Many of our surgical procedures can be performed with smaller incisions as part of a minimally invasive surgery, which frequently means a shorter hospital stay, less loss of blood and a faster recovery time for your child.

In addition to general surgeons, Loyola also has pediatric surgeons with expertise in a wide range of surgical subspecialties. This means your child will receive exceptional care from a surgeon who has completed specialty fellowship training in one of the following subspecialty areas:

Our approach puts your family at the center of care. We’re committed to keeping parents and other family members informed about the nature, need and risks involved in any surgery.

Why Choose Loyola for Pediatric Surgery?

Loyola’s pediatric surgeons take an integrated approach to caring for pediatric injuries and conditions. They are trained as general surgeons and have additional training on the surgical care of children, including specialized techniques and tools that are made for children. We understand the differences in the bodies of adults and children, as well as the considerations needed before, during and after a child’s surgery.

Loyola’s specialists strive to continually offer the most up-to-date and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Our surgeons partner with experienced advanced practice nurses, radiologists and anesthesiologists in order to provide the most advanced care, imaging and pain management for your child during surgery.

Loyola’s clinicians welcome families to be involved in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and recovery; they are available to answer any questions and address any concerns you might have.

Pediatric Surgeries Available at Loyola

Loyola’s pediatric surgeons are interested in improving your child’s quality of life. If medical treatment options have failed or will not improve your child’s condition, surgical treatment—including minimally invasive approaches—may be considered. Available minimally invasive surgeries include:

• Bronchoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures

Your child’s doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment plan with you. When making recommendations for your child’s care, your child’s doctor will consider his or her unique medical history, severity of the illness or injury and how to improve your child’s quality of life. Loyola’s pediatric specialists want to return your child to enjoyable activities as soon as possible.

Before and after surgery, Loyola’s pediatric patients needing critical care are able to stay in our 14-bed pediatric critical care unit. Members of our rehabilitative services team will help your child recover and regain his or her regular function after surgery.

Exceptional Surgical Services to Treat Pediatric Conditions

In addition to providing general pediatric surgical care, Loyola also offers unique subspecialty pediatric surgical services. As a parent, we know that you want a doctor with expertise and experience in treating your child’s condition.

Loyola’s subspecialists have received additional training in one area of the body. This expert training is what allows your child’s surgeon to deliver the highest quality care available.

Our pediatric surgeons are specially trained in caring for children with a broad range of conditions and diseases. We know that treating children requires special handling to provide comfort, reassurance and support—which is why our entire team provides treatment for the whole child: body, mind and spirit.

Loyola offers the following pediatric surgical subspecialties:

• Pediatric audiology — Loyola’s pediatric audiologists help children with hearing loss through hearing aids and cochlear implants. 
• Pediatric burns and trauma — Our burn and trauma department is nationally recognized for treating the most complex pediatric burn, trauma and skin injury cases. 
• Pediatric cardiovascular surgery — Loyola’s cardiovascular specialists offer a wide range of surgical options, including heart transplant surgery and repair of congenital abnormalities such as septal defects and pulmonary valve stenosis. 
• Pediatric dermatology — Our dermatology specialists provide advanced surgical treatments for the removal of birthmarks and warts. Our surgeons also perform dermabrasion, Mohs microsurgery and laser treatments that are available on an outpatient basis. 
• Pediatric gastroenterology — Your child’s gastroenterologist provides surgical treatment for the removal of tumors, polyps and fistulas, as well as for GERD and ulcerative colitis. Whenever possible, your child’s surgeon will recommend a minimally invasive procedure instead of an open surgery. 
• Pediatric gynecology — Loyola provides comprehensive gynecologic care for children and teens, including surgical treatment for the removal of ovarian cysts, reproductive problems, vaginal reconstruction and vaginal septum anomalies. 
• Pediatric neonatal surgery — Our neonatal specialists are skilled in the treatment of newborn congenital anomalies. 
• Pediatric neurosurgery — For children who have brain and nervous system conditions, Loyola’s surgeons provide minimally invasive surgery for brain tumors and other advanced procedures. 
• Pediatric oncology — Loyola’s pediatric oncologists are skilled in removing tumors from soft tissue, bones, organs and other areas, preserving form and function in the best way possible. 
• Pediatric ophthalmology — For children with strabismus and “wandering eye” conditions, Loyola’s ophthalmologists offer vision repair and correction of these conditions. 
• Pediatric orthopaedic oncology — For bone and soft tissue tumors, your child’s orthopaedic oncologist may recommend chemotherapy, limb salvage surgery, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the tumor and nearby tissue. 
• Pediatric orthopaedic surgery — Loyola’s orthopaedic surgeons provide surgical solutions for injuries, tumors, deformities, disease and infection. 
• Pediatric otolaryngology — For children with advanced ear, nose and throat conditions, Loyola’s otolaryngologists provide many surgical treatment options. 
• Pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery — Loyola’s facial and reconstructive surgeons repair injuries, tumors and deformities including facial fractures, defects from tumor removal and cleft lip and palate. 
• Pediatric transplant surgery — For heart, lung, kidney and liver diseases, your child’s healthcare team will explore conservative treatments first and foremost. If the disease is not well controlled with other treatments, a transplant may be the best medical option. Our pediatric specialists work closely with Loyola’s nationally recognized transplant center for heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants. 
• Pediatric urology — Our surgeons provide surgical treatment options for children for a broad range of problems related to the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.