Pediatric Abdominal Surgery

Pediatric abdominal surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures to treat conditions affecting the digestive system, liver, spleen, and abdominal organs in infants, children, and adolescents. From common acute conditions like appendicitis to chronic issues requiring long-term management, our fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons at Western Surgical Group provide expert surgical care tailored to each child’s age, development, and specific needs.

Many pediatric abdominal conditions present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, inability to tolerate feeding, or visible abnormalities like hernias. Some are congenital conditions that may not become apparent until later in childhood, while others are acquired through illness or injury. Early evaluation by a pediatric surgeon ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

We prioritize minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible, using small incisions and specialized cameras to perform surgery. This approach often results in less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery. Our surgeons have extensive training in both laparoscopic and open surgical techniques, allowing us to choose the safest, most effective approach for each child.

Common Conditions We Treat

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix requiring emergency surgical removal (appendectomy). This is one of the most common surgical emergencies in children. We perform most appendectomies laparoscopically for faster recovery.

Pyloric Stenosis: Thickening of the muscle at the stomach outlet in infants, causing projectile vomiting and failure to gain weight. Surgical correction (pyloromyotomy) relieves the obstruction and allows normal feeding.

Intestinal Malrotation: Abnormal positioning of the intestines that can lead to volvulus (twisting), cutting off blood supply. This condition requires urgent surgical correction to prevent bowel damage.

Intussusception: A condition where part of the intestine slides into an adjacent section, causing obstruction. While some cases can be treated with an enema, surgery may be needed if this fails or if there are complications.

Meckel’s Diverticulum: A congenital pouch in the small intestine that can cause bleeding, obstruction, or inflammation. Surgical removal prevents future complications.

Inguinal, Umbilical, and Epigastric Hernias: Abnormal protrusions of tissue or organs through weak spots in the abdominal wall. Hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Gallbladder Disease: Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and biliary dyskinesia (gallbladder dysfunction) can occur in children. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) relieves symptoms and prevents complications.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Severe reflux that doesn’t respond to medication may require surgical intervention. Nissen fundoplication strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach to prevent acid reflux.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Children with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may require surgery for complications such as strictures, fistulas, or when medical management fails. We work closely with pediatric gastroenterologists to provide comprehensive care.

Feeding Tube Placement: Gastrostomy tubes provide long-term nutritional support for children who cannot eat adequately by mouth due to neurological conditions, swallowing disorders, or chronic illness.

Minimally Invasive Approach

Many pediatric abdominal procedures can be performed laparoscopically, including appendectomies, hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, and anti-reflux surgery. Benefits include:
  • Smaller incisions and less visible scarring
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster return to school and activities
  • Lower infection risk

What to Expect

When your child is evaluated for an abdominal condition, our pediatric surgeons will perform a thorough examination and review any imaging or laboratory studies. We’ll explain the diagnosis in terms you and your child can understand and discuss treatment options, including when surgery is necessary versus when watchful waiting or medical management is appropriate.

For planned surgeries, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions including fasting guidelines and what to bring on surgery day. Emergency procedures like appendectomy are performed as quickly as safely possible. Most pediatric abdominal surgeries are done as outpatient procedures or require just 1-2 nights in the hospital, depending on the condition and your child’s age.

Post-operative care typically involves pain management, gradual return to eating, and activity restrictions for a brief period. We provide clear discharge instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Our team is available 24/7 to address any concerns during your child’s recovery.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

Diagnoses We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Most stomach aches in children are not surgical emergencies. However, seek immediate evaluation if your child has severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting (especially bile or blood), fever with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, inability to pass stool or gas, or if you notice a visible bulge or mass. Your pediatrician can refer to our pediatric surgery team when a surgical condition is suspected.

We use laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques whenever safely possible. However, some situations require open surgery, such as when the condition is complex, if there's extensive inflammation or infection, or if anatomy makes laparoscopy unsafe. We'll discuss the planned approach before surgery and explain why a particular technique is recommended for your child's specific situation.

Recovery time varies by procedure. Simple laparoscopic procedures like appendectomy or hernia repair may allow return to school within 1-2 weeks and full activity within 2-4 weeks. More complex open procedures may require 4-6 weeks of recovery. We provide specific activity guidelines based on your child's surgery and will adjust restrictions based on healing progress at follow-up visits.

This depends on the type of surgery. For procedures not involving opening the intestine (like hernia repair), children can often eat the same day once they're awake and not nauseous. For surgeries involving the bowel (like appendectomy with perforation or intestinal resection), we wait for signs that the digestive system is ready, typically starting with clear liquids and advancing gradually. Our team will provide specific feeding guidelines for your child's procedure.

Inguinal hernias always require surgical repair as they won't resolve on their own and carry risk of incarceration (becoming stuck) which can be dangerous. Umbilical hernias often close spontaneously by age 4-5, so we typically observe these unless they're very large, symptomatic, or persist beyond age 4-5. Epigastric hernias generally require repair. Your pediatric surgeon will evaluate your child's specific hernia and recommend the appropriate timing for repair.

Low-grade fever (under 101°F) in the first 24-48 hours after surgery can be normal. However, call our office if your child develops fever over 101°F, has increasing pain, redness or drainage from incisions, persistent vomiting, or just doesn't seem right. We're available 24/7 to address post-operative concerns and will have you bring your child in for evaluation if needed.