Pediatric surgery
Pediatric surgery is the surgical treatment of illnesses and other medical issues in children, from infancy throughout adolescence and into young adulthood. Oftentimes we are able to offer minimally invasive or robot-assisted procedures, such as endoscopy and laparoscopy
Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Wichita
Wesley Healthcare's Pediatric Surgery Clinic at Wesley Children's Hospital provides a broad range of individualized surgical procedures—from routine surgeries to the most complex surgical procedures.
Our high degree of specialization allows for accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, and our team is sensitive to the emotional needs of children of all ages.
For more information
For more information, or to make an appointment at the clinic, please call.
For more information, or to make an appointment at the clinic, please call.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Our clinic is staffed by board-certified pediatric surgeons who work closely with the board-certified pediatric radiologists and pediatric anesthesiologists at Wesley Medical Center, as well as registered nurses and physician's assistants, to provide the best pediatric surgical care.
Additionally, our Pediatric Sedation Unit provides pain and anxiety relief based on each child's specific needs, prior to medical procedures.
Pediatric craniofacial surgery and plastic surgery
Wesley Healthcare offers a comprehensive pediatric craniofacial and plastic surgery program.
When your child needs constructive or craniofacial surgery to repair a physical abnormality or to help him or her recovery from a traumatic injury, we understand it is stressful for both your child and your family. We are here to support, educate and care for you and your child throughout the surgical process.
Our specialized pediatric surgeons have extensive experience with the following conditions:
- Cleft lip and palate
- Congenital and post-traumatic anomalies
- Positional plagiocephaly
- Craniosynostosis correction
- Hemangioma, vascular malformations
- Birthmarks and moles
- Small jaw and obstructive apnea
- Scars
- Post-traumatic injuries of the lower extremities
- Birth-related brachial plexus palsy
- Facial paralysis
- Facial injuries and maxillofacial reconstruction
Sunken chest surgery
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest or funnel chest, is a congenital abnormality characterized by a concave sternum or breastbone that can compress or displace the heart and lungs, resulting in chest pain or shortness of breath. To correct this condition, we perform a minimally invasive procedure called the Nuss procedure.
The Nuss procedure requires only three small incisions, one under each arm and the third for a thin scope that allows the surgeon to view inside the chest. Through a series of maneuvers, a customized, curved stainless steel bar is positioned behind the sternum but on top of the ribs, using the chest wall as a base of support. The bar pushes the sternum to its proper position as it sits entirely under the skin and soft tissues.
The bar is left in place for three years while the chest remodels itself to the normal contour. The bar is then removed during an outpatient procedure. Shortly after surgery, patients will notice improvements in breathing, comfort and stamina. Patients are back to school in one or two weeks and back to strenuous activities, including competitive sports, in just eight weeks.
Preparing your child for surgery
If your child will stay at the hospital overnight, please bring the necessary supplies. You may stay with your child, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Below are some tips for helping your child prepare for his or her procedure:
- Answer your child’s questions openly and honestly. Most children respond better to new situations if they know what to expect.
- Tell your child that he or she will put on a special gown at the hospital. It is helpful to tell young children this, as changing their clothes can be a challenge.
- On the day of surgery, your child will need your undivided attention. We strongly recommend that you arrange for other children in the family to stay with friends or family. If siblings or other family members come to the hospital, they will need to wait in the waiting room.
- Due to the fact that children awaiting surgery are not allowed to eat or drink anything, we ask that adults do not bring food or beverages into the unit.
Things to bring from home:
- A favorite toy or stuffed animal, blanket or pacifier
- A list of your child’s current medications, including doses and frequency
- Insurance cards and immunization records
- Your child’s own bottle or cup for drinking after surgery, if you wish
Arriving at the hospital
- Arrive at the hospital two hours before the scheduled surgery time, unless your doctor instructs you differently.
- Check-in at the admissions office on the first floor.
- The admissions office staff will direct you to the pediatric ambulatory surgery unit (PASU). Decorated with colorful animal murals, the PASU provides a friendly environment where your child is prepared for surgery. The pediatric nurses and other staff are specially trained to help you and your child feel relaxed and comfortable.
- Due to the fact that children awaiting surgery are not allowed to eat or drink anything, we ask that adults do not bring food or beverages into the unit.
After surgery
- Once the surgery is completed, your child will be taken to the recovery room until he or she wakes up.
- If your child is staying overnight at Wesley, you and your child will be taken to the pediatric unit after your child leaves the recovery room.
- If your child is not staying overnight, he or she will return to the PASU until ready to go home. This is where you will be reunited with your child.
- After your child is in the pediatric unit or the PASU, he or she will be given something to drink. You may bring your child’s own bottle or cup if you wish.
Videos about our Pediatric surgery services
Ellie - Patient Success Story
Ellie was born with Hirschsprung's Disease, which causes missing nerve cells in the large intestine, making it difficult to pass stool. After the pediatric surgery team at Wesley removed her colon and placed an ostomy bag, she can now lead a full life. Wesley Medical Center is the only facility in Kansas, outside of Kansas City, that provides care for children with congenital abnormalities.
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