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It’s not easy to hear your child needs surgery.

When this happens, you want a lot of things. You want your child to be as pain-free as possible. You want them to feel comfortable that it will be OK. Most of all, you want to feel confident that you’re placing your child in the care of the most capable and compassionate pediatric healthcare providers.

At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, you get all these things and more. Our family-centered, team approach means your child is always our first priority. We work to make them as comfortable as possible, treating your children as we would our own. Approaching care with expertise and understanding, you can rest assured that your child is in expert hands.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Children's for Pediatric Surgery?

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Trusted experts:

Your child receives care from skilled surgeons who specialize in treating children. Our team includes board-certified, fellowship trained pediatric surgeons — many are world-renowned leaders in their respective fields. Meet our team.

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Demonstrated expertise:

Our pediatric surgeons have a long-standing reputation for safe procedures and excellent outcomes. We deliver the best available care, based on the latest research, for all pediatric conditions, including rare and life-threatening ones.

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Specialized equipment:

The pediatric surgery operating rooms we use are equipped with the newest technologies, including high-definition, real-time imaging. Our team uses the most innovative treatments, including the latest imaging tests and 3D-printed models of the heart to plan and perform surgery for the best possible results.

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Comprehensive treatment:

Surgery is one of the many ways we treat childhood illnesses and injuries. Our services also include medical therapies and rehabilitation services that help your child get the most out of treatment. All of our pediatric providers, including doctors, nurses and therapists, work together with our surgeons to keep your child’s care moving forward

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National recognition:

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Cleveland Clinic Children’s a top hospital in the nation. Newsweek has also named Cleveland Clinic a top hospital in the world.

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Virtual visits:

When your child isn’t feeling well or is recovering from surgery, it can sometimes be hard to get them in to see their provider. Virtual visits are an easy alternative for some follow-up visits. All you need is a smartphone, computer or tablet and you’re set.

Family-Centered Services at Cleveland Clinic

Your family’s comfort and peace of mind are important to us. We’ll let you know what to expect before surgery, on the day of surgery and after surgery is over. We want to ease your worries, make sure you and your child are as comfortable as possible and help you have a positive experience. We also offer:

  • Surgery tours so your child can meet some of their care team and see what an operating room looks like.
  • Extra support from our child life specialists before and after surgery. These providers use age-appropriate techniques to explain to your child what to expect and help them cope with any fears or uncertainty.
  • Anti-anxiety medications if your child is nervous on surgery day. Our pediatric anesthesiologist will give them these medications to take the edge off and help them relax before administering anesthesia. And don’t worry, you can stay right by your child’s side while the anesthesia takes effect.

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Types of Pediatric Surgery We Offer

Our expert pediatric surgeons deliver the best care for children of all ages. We do thousands of pediatric procedures each year, which gives us the experience we need to have the best possible outcomes. Some of our pediatric surgical specialties include:

Colorectal surgery

We regularly care for children who need colorectal surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, congenital (born with it) malformations and Crohn’s disease. Our pediatric and adult colorectal surgeons work together and with your child to provide lifelong care. This collaboration helps to make it a smooth transition to adult care as your child grows up.

Ear, nose and throat surgery (otolaryngology)

If your child has a condition affecting their ears, upper airway, voice or ability to swallow, our surgeons specializing in otolaryngology (ear nose and throat) deliver therapies that provide lasting symptom relief. These pediatric surgeons also treat tongue-tie (when your child’s tongue is attached to the bottom of their mouth).

Eye surgery

Our pediatric eye providers offer surgery for conditions that other treatments can’t correct. They’re experts at treating things like blocked tear ducts, removing cataracts and styes and correcting crossed eyes.

Fetal surgery

Fetal surgery is when we operate on a developing fetus in a pregnant person’s uterus. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is one of the few programs nationwide to do these complex procedures. Our providers treat heart issues, tumors and spine conditions before babies are born.

General surgery

General pediatric surgeons treat a broad range of conditions affecting children. Common procedures include removing the appendix (appendectomy) and hernia repair.

Heart surgery

Our pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons excel in treating the most complex heart issues in children, which are often present at birth (congenital heart disease). Congenital heart issues often require multiple surgeries over your child’s lifetime. Our surgeons work with you, your child and their entire team of healthcare providers to design a treatment plan that focuses on excellent outcomes and giving your child the best quality of life. And when the time comes, we help your child move comfortably to adult care.

Neurosurgery

We treat many brain and spinal cord issues, including stroke, epilepsy and tumors. Our pediatric neurosurgeons work alongside other specialists, including pediatric neurologists, to tailor your child’s care.

Orthopaedic surgery

Cleveland Clinic Children’s treats all types of broken bones, including growth plate fractures and buckle fracture. We also care for children with rare problems, including hand differences, like symbrachydactyly. Our pediatric orthopaedic surgery experts deliver care that meets the unique needs of growing bodies.

Plastic surgery

Pediatric plastic surgeons restore a natural appearance and help children work and play at their best. We regularly treat congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate and vascular malformations, such as strawberry hemangiomas. Our expertise also includes complex conditions, such as facial paralysis.

Scoliosis surgery

Our pediatric surgeons reduce abnormal spinal curves (scoliosis) to relieve pain and protect children against complications. We use innovative techniques, like vertebral body tethering. Instead of fusing spine bones together, we tether them, allowing for more natural movement after surgery and fewer long-term complications.

Transplant surgery

Cleveland Clinic Children’s is one of the few programs in the country offering pediatric transplant surgery. We have some of the most extensive experience in children’s heart, liver, kidney and intestinal transplants.

Taking the Next Step

Pediatric surgery doesn’t have to be a scary experience. The team at Cleveland Clinic Children’s combines their expertise with compassion and understanding to help your child feel better about what’s happening. No matter the surgery, you can count on us for gentle care that meets your child’s needs.

Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric surgery experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.

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Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric surgery experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.


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