Pediatric Surgeon

What is a pediatric surgeon?

A pediatric surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgery for children. Pediatric surgeons diagnose and treat children of all ages. They may operate on a developing fetus, your newborn, infant, child, teenager or a young adult. They work closely with other specialists and help manage your child’s care before and after surgery.

Children aren’t just small adults. Pediatric surgeons know your child is still growing and developing. They know children have unique medical needs. Some health conditions only affect children. Others affect children in different ways than adults. Many surgical techniques and tools are designed specifically for children.

Pediatric surgeons have extensive training and experience working with kids. They know how to make your child feel safe and comfortable. They also understand that hearing your child needs surgery can be scary and overwhelming. They’ll be there for you to answer your questions and reassure you that your child is in good hands.

What does a pediatric surgeon do?

Pediatric surgeons perform many operations and procedures in children. They commonly:

• Repair birth defects, like congenital malformations
• Treat groin issues, like inguinal hernias
• Perform urgent surgeries, like appendectomies
• Do simple to complex surgeries
• Perform minimally invasive surgery
• Work with transplant teams

When should your child see one?

There are many reasons your child may need to see a pediatric surgeon. If your child’s pediatrician refers you to a pediatric surgeon, it’s because your child needs specialized surgical care to diagnose, treat or manage their condition.

What does a pediatric surgeon specialize in?

Some pediatric surgeons focus on certain ages or types of conditions. Others care for a broad range of surgical needs. Depending on your child’s condition, they may see a:

• Prenatal (fetal) or neonatal pediatric surgeon for care before birth and in newborns
• Pediatric general surgeon for many abdominal, skin/soft tissue and noncardiac chest operations
• Pediatric thoracic (noncardiac) surgeon for lung and chest wall conditions
• Pediatric trauma surgeon for injuries
• Pediatric surgical oncologist for childhood tumors
• Pediatric minimally invasive surgeon for laparoscopic or thoracoscopic techniques

Other surgeons who also operate on children include:

• Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (bones and joints)
• Pediatric urologists (kidneys, bladder, genitals)
• Pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT, otolaryngologist) surgeon
• Pediatric plastic/craniofacial surgeon
• Pediatric neurosurgeon
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (dental specialty)

Where do pediatric surgeons work?

Pediatric surgeons practice in a variety of settings, including:

• Children’s hospitals
• University medical centers
• Larger community hospitals that care for kids

Do you need a referral?

Often, yes. Many health plans require a referral from your child’s pediatrician.

How do you become a pediatric surgeon?

You need about 15 years of training after high school to become a pediatric surgeon. This includes a:

• Bachelor’s degree (four years)
• Medical degree (four years)
• Residency in general surgery (five years)
• Fellowship in pediatric surgery (two years)

In the U.S., you need to get certification from the American Board of Surgery in both general surgery and pediatric surgery.

How do you choose a pediatric surgeon?

Look for a board-certified pediatric surgeon who operates at a hospital that regularly cares for children. Ask about the team’s experience with your child’s specific condition. Also ask:

• Whether minimally invasive options are available
• About pain control plans
• What to expect during recovery

And it’s OK to ask for a second opinion.