Pediatric Surgery

At Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, a team of pediatric surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists and other pediatric specialists who are specifically trained in children's physiology provide surgical care for children. Our pediatric surgical staff provides the most sophisticated care available today, covering the entire range of subspecialties, including pediatric general surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric cardiovascular surgery, pediatric orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric urology, and pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat disorders). Each pediatric surgeon has advanced training and experience treating children in his or her field, and each physician's practice is devoted to the care and treatment of children. In 2003, Lutheran General Children's Hospital broadcast a scoliosis surgery, performed by pediatric orthopedic surgeons at LGCH. Click on the link to learn more. In addition, our Pediatric Trauma Center provides emergency treatment and surgical care for injured children, 24 hours a day.

Our physicians, nurses and other pediatric caregivers are skilled in helping young patients and families feel safe throughout their surgical experience. Every child undergoing surgery receives the highest quality care from one of our specially trained pediatric anesthesiologists prior to and during surgery, and throughout recovery. When your child needs surgery, it's important to know that a specially trained pediatric anesthesiologist who cares exclusively for children is providing the anesthesia.

Click here for a Pediatric Surgery printable brochure.

Visitation
Flexible visitation policies allow families in the pre-operative unit and a parent in the recovery room. Children preparing for surgery are allowed two visitors over the age of twelve, who may remain with the child in pre-surgery until he or she is moved to the operating room. Once surgery is complete, parents will be reunited with their child as soon as possible. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to stay with their child at Lutheran General Children's Hospital, if admission is necessary.

Pediatric Pain Management
Lutheran General Children's Hospital's pediatric pain management program is one of only a few such programs in the Chicago area. Physicians specially trained in pediatric anesthesia and pain management work closely with surgeons and pediatric subspecialists to offer comprehensive pediatric pain management services during and after surgery. Pain management services include an advanced technique, pediatric epidurals, which safely block pain for children of all ages-eliminating the risks and side effects associated with narcotics. Lutheran General Children's Hospital is one of only a few hospitals in the Chicago area to offer pediatric epidurals.

Epidurals deliver pain-blocking medications directly to nerves in the back, where pain receptors are located. Doctors also use epidurals to relieve pain during recovery, which can help children heal faster and leave the hospital sooner. And, parents can feel confident knowing trained pediatric anesthesiologists are handling their child's care.

Pediatric and Adolescent Units
Your child's stay in the hospital, recovering from surgery, can be scary and even overwhelming. Our staff provides family-focused care, to help soothe both the child and family during this time. We've designed cheerful rooms that offer privacy and comfort for children and adolescents. And, our separate pediatric and adolescent units feature age appropriate recreation areas as well as special programs for children and adolescents. Specialists with the Child Life Program at Lutheran General Children's Hospital visit hospitalized children to help them better understand and adjust to their hospitalization.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Should your child require a stay in our pediatric intensive care unit, it's a comfort to know that the PICU provides expert care to more than 900 critically ill children each year, many of whom are transferred from other hospitals. Our staff of pediatric specialists, full time pediatric critical care physicians and specially trained nurses provides the most advanced care available.

Pre-Surgical Tour
Parents and families play an important role in the care of a sick child. We make every effort to integrate the child's family into the surgical management process and to provide a supportive, healing environment. The pre-surgical tour gives children ages 3-9, and family an opportunity to visit the operating room and meet with staff prior to a scheduled procedure. This special tour allows children to become more familiar and comfortable with the surgical environment and experience, helping ease their anxiety. And, parents are welcomed and encouraged to stay with their child at Lutheran General Children's Hospital if admission is necessary.