Specialized Surgical Care for Children from Infancy Through Adolescence
Serving families in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and throughout Northern Nevada
Surgical needs in children are uniquely different from those in adults — young bodies are still growing, development is ongoing, and medical conditions often present differently. Pediatric surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating surgical problems in infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from common issues like hernias and appendicitis to complex congenital anomalies and tumors.
Western Surgical Group’s Pediatric Surgery Division provides compassionate, family‑centered care designed to support children and their families throughout the surgical process. Our fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons, Dr. Frieda Hulka and Dr. Heron Baumgarten, are the only two pediatric general surgeons in Northern Nevada, bringing specialized expertise to treat children of all ages — from premature infants to teenagers.
Why Choose Western Surgical Group for Your Child’s Care?
- Only Pediatric Surgery Program in Northern Nevada: Dr. Hulka and Dr. Baumgarten are the region’s exclusive fellowship-trained pediatric general surgeons
- Comprehensive Care: From routine procedures to complex congenital repairs and pediatric oncology
- Minimally Invasive Expertise: Specialized training in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques for faster recovery
- Family-Centered Approach: We educate and support families through every step of the surgical journey
- Coordinated Care: Close partnerships with pediatric specialists, neonatologists, and hospital teams
- Emergency Availability: Equipped to handle pediatric trauma and urgent surgical emergencies
What Sets Pediatric Surgery Apart
Children are not simply “small adults” — their anatomy and responses to illness are different. Pediatric surgeons receive additional fellowship training beyond general surgery, focusing specifically on:
- Age-specific anatomical differences from premature infants to adolescents
- Developmental considerations affecting surgical planning and recovery
- Congenital anomalies and conditions unique to childhood
- Child-appropriate surgical techniques and tools
- Specialized anesthesia and pain management for young patients
- Family communication and supporting parents through medical decisions
Because young patients are growing and developing, surgical care requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatric anesthesiology, radiology, neonatology, and subspecialty care. Many procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which often result in smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared with traditional surgery.
Comprehensive Pediatric Surgical Services
Our pediatric surgery team treats the full spectrum of childhood surgical conditions, from newborn emergencies to adolescent care:
Doctors Specializing in Pediatric Surgery
Our Pediatric Surgery team includes fellowship‑trained surgeons with specialized expertise in childhood surgery. These physicians are experienced in treating infants through adolescents and understand the nuances of pediatric anatomy, development, and surgical needs. They partner with other pediatric specialists to deliver coordinated care that is both medically excellent and developmentally appropriate.
Pediatric Surgery Procedures We Perform
Our division offers a wide range of procedures tailored to pediatric needs, from routine surgeries to complex congenital repairs. These include hernia repairs, appendectomies, neonatal surgical procedures, correction of congenital anomalies, treatment of tumors and soft tissue masses, and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Every surgical plan is individualized to your child’s diagnosis, age, and overall health, with a focus on safety and recovery.
