Pediatric General Surgery

Our pediatric general surgeons bring advanced skills and expertise to treating the most complex conditions affecting children of all ages, from newborns weighing little more than 1 pound to teenagers.

We are a Level 1 pediatric surgery center, verified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This makes us one of only two children’s hospitals in New York State to attain this top-level surgical verification. The ACS designation recognizes our ability to offer all types of surgery and reflects our commitment to provide safe, quality surgical care.

The pediatric general surgeons and nurse practitioners at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone provide the full range of surgical care for conditions that affect the abdomen, lungs, head, neck, and digestive and urinary systems. Your child is also cared for by a pediatric anesthesiologist, who has received advanced training in the care of infants and children. To ease your child’s discomfort and help him or her recovery quickly, we use minimally invasive surgical techniques where possible.

Our Approach to Surgery for Children

Pediatric general surgery is performed at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street, where our specialized operating rooms are designed with children in mind and feature the latest surgical technology. Our pediatric nurse practitioners work closely with each family to education you about your child’s condition and treatment, answer questions, and provide follow-up care.

As part of our child- and family-centered approach to care, child life specialists help you and your child know what to expect before, during, and after treatment. By providing support and information, child life specialists aim to relieve stress, which in turn promotes healing. Additional emotional support is available to your family, as well as tips on how to prepare for surgery and talk with your child about medical care.

In addition to providing the highest quality surgical care for your child, we are also actively engaged in formal research efforts to improve the care for children. This includes a clinical trial comparing antibiotic therapy with surgery for the treatment of early-stage appendicitis, as well as a study to better understand congenital defects that affect the diaphragm.