A nurse talking to a child patient and mother

Pediatric SurgeryAbdominal & Gastric Services

Excellence and Compassion in Children’s Abdominal & Gastric Care

At UTMB Health, our care teams are comprised of leading pediatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, and supportive care specialists committed to providing the most advanced, patient-centered treatments for a wide range of abdominal and gastric conditions. From the most common to the complex, we are equipped to address each challenge with precision, empathy, and innovation.

Here, families will find a supportive environment that values clear communication, empathetic care, and a comprehensive approach to treatment. We believe in empowering families with knowledge and supporting them every step of the way—from diagnosis through recovery.

Your Care Team

  Conditions We Treat

  Procedures

  • Minimally Invasive Procedures - Pediatric

    Overview:

    Technological advancements have revolutionized surgery, enabling minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions for faster healing, shorter hospital stays, less pain, and reduced trauma to normal tissues.

    Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic techniques, involving the chest and abdomen respectively, facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

    Many procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques by our pediatric surgery teams, ranging from common procedures to the correction of more complex congenital anomalies such as:

    • Appendectomy (appendix removal)
    • Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
    • Pyloromyotomy (treatment for pyloric stenosis)
    • Fundoplication (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD treatment)
    • Tracheo-esophageal fistula repair
    • Duodenal atresia repair
    • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair
    • Chest wall reconstruction (Pectus Excavatum)

    The evolving technology allows the treatment of increasingly complex conditions through minimally invasive approaches. Families seeking these techniques can consult with our pediatric surgery team to explore options tailored to their child's needs.

  • Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) - Pediatric

    Overview:

    Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is employed for various pediatric procedures, including appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), and reduction of intussusceptions (a condition in which part of the intestine folds into the section next to it).

    The Procedure:

    SILS involves placing all laparoscopic instruments through a single incision at the umbilicus, leaving minimal scarring. While requiring advanced skills, SILS allows for successful and safe completion of common operations through a single incision laparoscopic technique.

A newborn baby getting an abdominal ultrasound

Our Locations